How does the Universal Health Coverage agenda affect health informatics in South Sudan?

UHC requires robust health information systems to track coverage, quality, and equity of health services. Health informatics professionals play a critical role in UHC by: designing and managing the data systems that track UHC indicators; analysing data to identify gaps in coverage; supporting the development of health financing systems (including health insurance) that require accurate patient and service data; and providing evidence for UHC policy decisions. In South Sudan, progress towards UHC is tracked through the national health information system and reported to WHO and the UN.

The UHC Service Coverage Index — a composite indicator that measures coverage of essential health services — is one of the key SDG 3 indicators. South Sudan scores very low on this index, reflecting the significant gaps in health service coverage. Improving health informatics capacity is essential for tracking and improving UHC progress.