Why Now: The Case for Urgency

We adapted this article from our annual report for funders, implementers, and government partners working to strengthen health information systems. Read our full 2025 impact report

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Many countries are working to strengthen health information systems, and key decisions made now will shape what becomes possible in the next few years.

Many still rely on paper-based tools or siloed digital systems that limit care coordination and slow national response. At the same time, a convergence of political will, partner alignment, and technical advances is creating a real chance to modernise health information systems.

The challenge

Siloed systems Patient data is often scattered across separate platforms, creating gaps in care, duplicated effort, and limited visibility for health authorities.

Capacity constraints Many Ministries of Health have limited in-country digital health capacity, which can lead to underused systems and stalled improvement.

Policy pressure Many funders and partners increasingly require interoperable, timely data to support results-focused programmes and financing.

Many countries are under pressure to modernise without having the internal capacity to do so.

The moment: three forces are converging

1. The Digital Public Infrastructure for Health (DPI for Health) surge DPI for Health is becoming more central to national health strategies, including work led by Africa CDC and the WHO. Many governments are prioritising open, interoperable approaches so data can move safely across systems.

2. Artificial intelligence (AI) readiness AI is only as effective as the data beneath it. WHO guidance emphasises that trustworthy, well-structured data is the foundation. Jembi’s platforms, such as the OpenHIM and the jeMPI help health information move safely between systems.

3. Lower cost to serve over time As teams reuse platforms and build repeatable implementation patterns, the cost and effort to scale can come down while quality improves. Leading to more efficient healthcare delivery and better resource allocation in health information systems.

Over the next few years, the choices made about foundations such as interoperability, data governance, and long-term local capacity will shape what becomes possible for health systems, including the ability to enhance service delivery, improve patient outcomes, and reduce operational costs.

Taking action now allows countries to:

1. Scale universal health coverage more efficiently

2. Improve cross-border epidemic preparedness and response

3. Strengthen local digital talent pipelines

4. Build ethical, AI-ready health systems

With over 15 years’ experience in more than 20 countries, Jembi works with governments and partners to build the foundations for interoperable, resilient digital health systems.

Should you be planning or funding DPI for Health, we would be delighted to share our insights. Get in touch.