# Intergovernmental Learning Exchange to Advance Data-Driven Decision Making: Experiences from Nigeria

## TL;DR

Nigeria used the I-LEAD program to improve its health data systems, helping achieve better healthcare and health goals.

## Contribution

The paper presents Nigeria's experience with the I-LEAD program, showcasing a model for improving health informatics in developing countries.

## Key findings

- The ISHO assessment identified five key health information system challenges in Nigeria.
- The i-LEAD program enhanced Nigeria's informatics leadership and produced localized solutions for these challenges.
- Post-i-LEAD activities focused on data quality and capacity building for sustainable impact.

## Abstract

Nigeria has strategically invested in digital health to achieve HIV/AIDS epidemic control, meet SDG health targets, and advance towards UHC. Despite progress, challenges persist. This paper details Nigeria’s commitment, in collaboration with PEPFAR, CDC, and other agencies, to address Health Information System (HIS) challenges through participation in the Intergovernmental Learning Exchange to Advance Data-Driven Decision Making (I-LEAD) programme.

The i-LEAD programme followed a 3-phase approach: 1) conducted an expedited Informatics-Savvy Health Organisation (ISHO) assessment to identify critical national HIS challenges; 2) enhanced informatics capabilities of selected Nigerian delegates, including a purpose-fit session, Bring Your Own Difficult Decision (BYODD), involving SMEs to collaboratively refine, contextualise and guide the localised development of actionable solutions for the national HIS challenges; and 3) outlined the nation’s approach to implementing the HIS solutions

The expedited ISHO assessment identified 5 HIS challenges: governance, interoperability, data security, Electronic Medical Record (EMR) centralisation, and funding. Participating in the i-LEAD programme strengthened Nigeria’s leadership technical capacity in informatics, particularly in strategic visioning and planning, with the BYODD sessions resulting in the collaborative development of localised solutions to address the 5 HIS challenges. In the post-i-LEAD phase, efforts focused on 2 activities for the HIS solutions. These activities are 1) improving data quality through harmonisation of value data sets, and 2) decentralising I-LEAD learning and building the capacity of Public Health Informatics (PHI) technical groups through progressive levels of Growing Expertise in E-Health Knowledge and Skills (GEEKS) training. These activities were selected because of their potential to deliver the maximum impact within the HIS ecosystem.

Nigeria’s active participation and commitment through the I-LEAD programme have strengthened its digital health agenda, leveraging health informatics to enhance healthcare delivery and achieve broader health goals. This approach can serve as a model for other developing nations facing similar health informatics hurdles.