Latest news with #DistrictHealthInformationSystem
IOL News
05-08-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Careers over cradles: Why fewer South Africans are having children
South Africa's population is estimated to have reached 63.1 million in 2025, but behind the growing number lies a sharp and sustained decline in fertility rates; a trend that has sparked urgent questions about the nation's socio-economic trajectory. According to the latest Mid-Year Population Estimates released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA): "South Africa's fertility rate has steadily declined over the years, from an average of 2.78 children per woman in 2008 to 2.21 in 2025." The report attributes this downward trend to a range of indicators. "A noticeable dip in births around 2016 aligns with official birth registration records. More recent data shows that births have been dropping since 2020," said the service. Stats SA noted that this pattern is corroborated by data from health facilities, child grant access, and school enrolments. As a result, fertility estimates were revised using data from the District Health Information System (DHIS) and recorded live births. Cici Sebego, a master's student in Sociology at the University of Johannesburg, says the trend is inseparable from the country's complex socio-political legacy and changing gender dynamics.
Zawya
15-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Annual Meeting of Data Managers for Epidemiological Surveillance in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Region: Enhancing the "One Health" Approach
Hosted by the West African Health Organization (WAHO), in partnership with the Regional Animal Health Center (RAHC) and the Health Security Program for West and Central Africa (HeSP), the Annual Meeting of Data Managers for Epidemiological Surveillance based on the "One Health" approach, underscored the regional commitment to effective implementation of the approach, that comprehensively integrates human, animal, and environmental health dimensions to address health challenges. Since the introduction of the District Health Information System, version 2 (DHIS2) in 2014, WAHO has been instrumental in promoting data sharing related to epidemic-prone diseases across ECOWAS with the aim of improving the accessibility, availability, and dissemination of health information. Based on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, the global alert level for monkeypox (MPOX), and ongoing screwworm outbreaks, the meeting focused on updating information on epidemiological surveillance in member countries, evaluating and enhancing data surveillance dashboards, and proposing strategies to strengthen coordination and data-sharing mechanisms among key stakeholders. The event gathered approximately 60 participants, including representatives from member countries, human and animal health data managers, and professionals responsible for epidemiological reporting, to assess the progress made, identify challenges, and strengthen collaboration in the use of epidemiological data. Mr. Raul KOUAME, Program Officer for Climate Change and Climate Services— ECOWAS Directorate of Environment and Natural Resources, emphasized the often-overlooked environmental impact on both physical and mental health, 'a comprehensive 'One Health' approach is essential to addressing the health challenges of our region,' he reiterated. Acting Director of the Regional Animal Health Center (RAHC), Dr. Hassane ADAKAL, discussed the role of domestic and wildlife species in the emergence of zoonotic diseases. Representing the WAHO Director General Dr. Melchior Athanase Joël Codjovi AÏSSI, Dr. Mamadou DIARRASSOUBA pointed out the importance of strengthening regional health security through the "One Health" approach. Data collected in 2024 revealed a significant increase in emerging infectious diseases in the ECOWAS region, with 67 new outbreaks identified—a 31.3% rise compared to 2023. The discussions, therefore, focused on the intergration of environmental and animal health indicators into regional platforms, harmonizing workflows among WAHO, the CRSCM, the RAHC, and member states, as well as strengthening the capacities of stakeholders involved in the "One Health" approach. The outcomes of this meeting, therefore, will guide the development of a robust regional report, supporting strategic planning and data integration into national and regional systems—representing a strategic opportunity to improve data quality, enhance early warning systems, and strengthen regional resilience to epidemics. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).
