A culture of evidence-based management decisions would help us achieve highest level of efficiency in
the provision of basic essential health care to all Malawians. To establish such a culture the health sector
needs a robust Health Information System that provides reliable information as solid evidence for making
rational decisions. The transition from Millennium Development Goals to the post-2015 Sustainable
Development Goals within the context of Universal Health Coverage have emphasis on measurement and
accountability which can only be achieved through a vibrant National Health Information System aligned
to the Five-Point Call to Action in Measurement and Accountability for Results in Health endorsed at the
Washington Summit of June 2015.

However, our existing Health Information Systems are unnecessarily fragmented and are not capable of
generating quality information at the time they are needed. Efforts have been underway, in collaboration
with our partners, for harmonizing and synthesizing various data-management systems in the entire health
sector. Despite those concerted efforts of key stakeholders, we continue to face challenges in the areas of
data collection, data analysis, information dissemination, and information use. The problems with regard
to data accuracy, timelines of reporting, analysis, and completeness continue to exist.