Getting Started with DHIS2

Photo by Mourizal Zativa on Unsplash

If you are thinking of ways of collecting data, you will probably find several data collection tools that can work in your favor. The problem at times is not about the availability of data collection tools but which data collection tool to use. Different use cases will determine which tool to use at any given time. DHIS2 is one of those tools that can be used for data collection, analysis, summary reports, and more than you can imagine.

If you are new to DHIS2 and do not have any knowledge of how it works, this article is for you. I was first introduced to DHIS2 as an assignment by my manager to learn about it. When I went to the website, there was so much to grasp, which made it overwhelming to understand. If you are in a similar situation where you have to learn more about DHIS2, consider this as your tool kit to get started on your journey.

What is DHIS2?

DHIS2 stands for District Health Information Software 2. It is an open-source, web-based software platform for data collection, management, and analysis. It is the world’s largest Health Information Management System platform. It is used by several low to middle-income countries.

DHIS2 is not only suitable for the Health sector but can also be used in the Education sector and the Logistics sector.

If you want to learn how to implement DHIS2, you can find all the necessary resources here. This includes information about the software required to run DHIS2, the servers available for running the DHIS2 platform, and how to create applications that can be installed on DHIS2 to ensure interoperability.

Learn the Fundamentals

Part of getting a better understanding of DHIS2 means learning the building blocks that make up a DHIS2 platform. There are free, self-paced courses offered by the DHIS2 online academy that introduce concepts for beginners working with DHIS2 for the first time to Experts who need specialized skills. Take the time to learn from the DHIS2 academy and use the learning path to help you work on courses that fit your role.

If you have no prior experience working with DHIS2, start with the DHIS2 fundamental courses. You gain a certificate for each course that is completed. The courses are as follows:

1. Introduction to DHIS2: This will give you the groundwork to understand where DHIS2 is coming from, how to use its features, the basic structure of how data is stored, and the global community with its ecosystem.
2. Aggregate Data Capture and Validation Fundamentals: This covers how data is collected in DHIS2 using data models, validation tests, and the Data Quality tool designed by WHO to ensure data is complete, timely, consistent, reliable, and accurate.
3. Aggregate Data Analysis Fundamentals: This course covers data visualization and how to use charts, pivot tables, and maps to interpret data for decision-making purposes.
4. Aggregate Customization Fundamentals: This course covers how to create the metadata that builds into creating programs that can be utilized to collect data.

Bonus course: DHIS2 Event fundamentals this course mainly covers how to collect cross-sectional data instead of longitudinal data

https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/longitudinal-study/

Learn to Problem-Solve

• Take the time to work through the DHIS2 documentation. This will provide direction by helping you understand the details of the software, how it functions, and how it should be used.
• There is a DHIS2 community that has various topics, with a history of other people who have faced challenges and resolved their challenges. A challenge you might be facing could easily be found in the community.

Learn by Doing

Knowing all this, what can help reinforce the ideas and concepts you have learned is to see an actual DHIS2 system implemented. DHIS2 has provided a demo environment that allows you to test new features from new version releases and get a fill of what DHIS2 can offer. Select the DHIS2 version of your choice, give it a try, and share your experience with a friend.

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