Story
20 January 2026
Centralized Health Data system launched in Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone, through its Ministry of Health, took a bold step on Monday in advancing its digital transformation agenda with the launch of a National Health Information Hub in Freetown. The Hub is designed to convert health data into timely, reliable, and actionable insights that directly support decision-making at every level of the health system. Delivering the keynote address, Health Minister Dr Austin Demby highlighted that despite years of introducing multiple platforms to support planning, service delivery, surveillance, and reporting, the country’s health data ecosystem has remained fragmented. “Too often, critical data sits in silos. Systems do not speak to one another. Information arrives late, incomplete, or inconsistent. As a result, our ability to make timely, evidence-based decisions has been constrained,” Dr Demby said. He urged all stakeholders to actively use and support the platform so that data consistently informs action and ultimately saves lives. Speaking on behalf of the UN Country Team, UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana, joined by representatives from WHO, UNFPA, and UNICEF, described the Hub as a landmark achievement. She emphasised its role in supporting a person-centred, life-course approach to health and praised Sierra Leone’s leadership and commitment to evidence-driven governance. “Timely, high-quality, and accessible data is essential for effective action,” Wakana noted, adding that fragmented or delayed information limits the ability to respond to population needs. She explained that the Hub integrates routine health data into a centralised platform, enabling decision-makers to identify who is being reached, who is left behind, and where corrective action is needed. WHO supported the establishment of the Hub by providing strategic and technical assistance, including guidance on data governance, development of the National digital health strategy, alignment with national digital health strategies and global standards, capacity building in data analytics and visualisation. The Hub’s launch comes at a critical moment as the world approaches the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals endline. Wakana reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone, disclosing that agencies are finalising a flagship joint programme to strengthen routine data systems across all sectors and build a sustainable, nationally owned health information ecosystem. The government-owned Command Centre currently hosts twelve real-time interactive dashboards and a 3D geospatial map with advanced analytics. These tools allow faster, clearer, and more informed decisions at national, district, and facility levels. By integrating data from DHIS2 and other priority platforms, the Hub strengthens coordination, accountability, and the routine use of data—shifting the country from reporting for compliance toward data-driven planning, performance management, and rapid response.