Maldives is transforming its public health sector by digitalizing health information systems through the Maldives Integrated Health Information System (MIHIS), developed using the District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2) platform. With support from WHO, the public portal of MIHIS was launched in 2024. The portal empowers citizens to take better control of their health by providing them with easy access to their own health data from birth to old age.
The launch of the public portal marks a significant step toward individual and family health empowerment. The initial phase of portal offers easy access to crucial health information, including vaccination data, growth monitoring information, developmental milestones and primary healthcare records. This personal health record platform, initially focused on immunization, allows parents to track their children's vaccination schedules, monitor records, and download digital copies. Building upon the success of the 2022 National Electronic Immunization Registry (EIR), which centralized and secured vaccination records for all children, the portal expands access to vital health information directly to users.
Integrated with the broader Primary Health Care Registry, which already tracks non-communicable diseases, mental health, and cancer screening, the portal will soon include additional modules for reproductive health, maternal health and disease surveillance. By promoting preventive healthcare and self-management, the platform aligns with the government's reorientation of primary health care services, enabling individuals to collaborate with providers, adopt healthier lifestyles, and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases. This initiative supports a transparent, data-driven healthcare system and lays the foundation for a healthier, more informed population.
MIHIS was established to streamline health data management and enhance data driven decision-making. A comprehensive capacity-building initiative has played a crucial role in ensuring the successful implementation and sustainability of MIHIS. System designers gained expertise in customizing and securing the DHIS2 platform, enabling them to adapt it to the Maldives' specific needs, including the rapid development of tools like the Lymphatic Filariasis Screening module for real-time data collection.
WHO's support extended beyond training, offering strategic guidance, tailored technical assistance, and the development of essential resources to strengthen the Maldives' digital health infrastructure. Over 100 individuals were trained through in-person and online sessions, significantly enhancing the capacity of the health workforce to effectively manage and utilize health data. This initiative has strengthened the Maldives’ capacity for surveillance, reporting, and timely response to public health challenges, fostering a more resilient and data-driven health system. It has also empowered the core team at the Ministry of Health to develop their own screening module based on the DHIS2 platform. This work was made possible through robust technical collaboration between WHO Country Office Maldives and WHO Regional Office for South East Asia, alongside financial support from GAVI and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).