Strengthening nutrition routine data using institutionalized health management information systems for decision-making: analysis of best practices and lessons learned from implementation in Burkina Faso.
Authors: OUEDRAOGO Ousmane , Tassembedo Mahamadi , Ouangare Assane , Bambara Estelle , Paré Paton Guillaume , Gosso Boro , Ilboudo Fulbert , Zongo Céline , Kouamé Rodrigue , Kiburente Mediatrice , Diallo Saidou , Baille Barbara , Briaux Justine Marie Francoise , Ntambi John , Stoops Norah , Nanama Simeon 
Published: April 2024

Strengthening nutrition routine information system is critical to support nutrition programs with relevant data to inform decision-making. This study analyzed the practices and lessons learned from the implementation in Burkina Faso in strengthening nutrition routine data using institutionalized health management information systems for decision making. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in Burkina Faso in two key stages: i)a baseline exploratory study conducted in 2018 through a multisectoral mapping of information systems using the review of the nutrition data available, individual interviews with 33 program and sector statistics specialists; and a national triangulation workshop with 42 participants from the data and program managers and partners in nutrition and made it possible to prioritize a reduced list of new key nutrition indicators to be tested in a small-scale phase. ii) a study in 2022 on the capitalization of best practices after 3 years of implementation through documentary review, semi-structured individual interviews with 64 key implementing informants spread over 3 health districts, 2 regional hospital centers and 2 health regions, and a national triangulation workshop with 40 implementing actors, including 20 from the central level, 15 from the decentralized level, and 5 partners. Results: The results of the study show, among other findings, the best practices and progress identified below: i) the integration of new routine data elements and nutrition indicators into District Health Information Software (DHIS2), which filled the data gap for adequate monitoring of the nutrition program; ii) the design and use of the nutrition indicator dashboard; iii) data validation and performance review sessions which have improved the quality and use of routine data in decision-making ; and iv) decentralization of the entry of monthly activity reports of health facilities. Lessons learned included: i) conducting a small-scale phase to test the indicators is an important step to take before national scale-up of the indicators; ii) a participatory approach involving all actors at different levels is important; iii) advocacy is important to integrate prevention indicators into health facilities in a more curative-oriented health system; iv) the decentralized entry of data is a best practice that improves data quality in terms of timeliness, completeness, and internal consistency. Conclusion: Beyond the inclusion of indicators, special emphasis should be placed on working on data quality. Future experiences in refining routine data related to sensitive nutrition interventions in the non-health sectors are key next steps that would further contribute to strengthening the national nutrition information system.