National health information systems for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals will require data-driven public health action. There are limited publications on national health information systems that continuously generate health data. Given the need to develop these systems, this study summarized their current status in low-income and middle-income countries. Key informants in 15 countries responded to a questionnaire developed for this study. Most responding countries have a solid foundation for policy, planning, legislation, and organization of health information systems. Periodic evaluations may be useful in assessing the quality of the data and monitoring progress in strengthening and harmonizing these systems over time.