Leveraging Public Health Informatics to Strengthen Monitoring and Evaluation of Global Health Interventions

• Author(s): Olaitan Kemi Atobatele ; Opeoluwa Oluwanifemi Ajayi ; Akonasu Qudus Hungbo ; Christiana Adeyemi
• Paper ID: 1710078
• Page: 350-369
• Published Date: 31-10-2019
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 3 Issue 4 October-2019

Abstract

Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) are pivotal in ensuring the effectiveness, accountability, and sustainability of global health interventions. However, traditional M&E approaches often struggle with data fragmentation, delayed reporting, and limited analytical capacity, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Public Health Informatics (PHI), defined as the systematic application of information technology and data science in public health practice, offers transformative opportunities to enhance M&E frameworks. By integrating Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Systems (HIS), mobile health (mHealth) platforms, and geospatial information systems (GIS), PHI enables real-time data capture, seamless interoperability, and granular visibility into program performance. Advanced data analytics, including predictive modeling and machine learning, further strengthen the capacity to forecast intervention outcomes, identify high-risk populations, and inform adaptive program management. Visual dashboards and automated feedback loops facilitate timely decision-making, fostering a culture of data-driven performance improvement. Moreover, PHI supports the harmonization of routine health data with program-specific metrics, enabling more comprehensive and accurate impact evaluations. Despite its potential, leveraging PHI for M&E faces challenges such as infrastructure limitations, data governance complexities, and workforce capacity gaps. Addressing these barriers requires strategic investments in digital infrastructure, workforce training, and cross-sector collaborations that prioritize ethical data use and sustainability. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain offer additional avenues to enhance data integrity, transparency, and automation in M&E processes. Embedding Public Health Informatics into M&E frameworks represents a critical pathway to optimizing the design, implementation, and evaluation of global health interventions. Institutionalizing informatics-driven M&E practices can significantly improve program accountability, resource allocation, and ultimately, health outcomes across diverse populations.

Keywords

Leveraging, Public health informatics, Strengthen monitoring, Evaluation, Global health interventions

Citations

IRE Journals:
Olaitan Kemi Atobatele , Opeoluwa Oluwanifemi Ajayi , Akonasu Qudus Hungbo , Christiana Adeyemi "Leveraging Public Health Informatics to Strengthen Monitoring and Evaluation of Global Health Interventions" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 3 Issue 4 2019 Page 350-369

IEEE:
Olaitan Kemi Atobatele , Opeoluwa Oluwanifemi Ajayi , Akonasu Qudus Hungbo , Christiana Adeyemi "Leveraging Public Health Informatics to Strengthen Monitoring and Evaluation of Global Health Interventions" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 3(4)