How should South Sudan prepare for future health emergencies using health informatics?

Key health informatics investments for emergency preparedness include: strengthening the IDSR system for faster detection and reporting of disease outbreaks; developing a national emergency operations centre with real-time data dashboards; building laboratory information system capacity for rapid diagnostic testing; training health informatics professionals in emergency data management; and developing data sharing protocols with international partners for emergency response. SSHIA is working with the Ministry of Health and WHO to develop a health informatics emergency preparedness plan for South Sudan.

Simulation exercises that test health information system performance during emergencies are an important preparedness tool. SSHIA participates in national health security simulation exercises and uses these opportunities to identify gaps in health information system capacity and advocate for improvements.