Pilot implementation of a routine immunization module of the district health information system version 2 in Kano State, Nigeria, 2014 - 2015

INTRODUCTION: Timely and accurate data are necessary for informing sound decision-making and developing effective routine immunization (RI) programs. We launched a pilot project in Kano State to strengthen routine immunization (RI) data reporting through the immunization module of the District Health Information System version 2 (DHIS2). We examined the completeness and timeliness of reporting monthly RI data one year before and one year after DHIS2 module pilot in the State. METHODS: The first phase of the DHIS2 RI module pilot in Kano included training on RI data tools in November 2014 and in January 2015 for 36 state and zonal personnels, 276 local government area (LGA) personnel, and 2,423 health facility (HF) staff. A RI-focused dashboard to display core RI accountability framework indicators, such as completeness and timeliness of reporting, planned immunization sessions conducted, coverage and dropout was implemented. Report completeness was ratio of submitted reports to number of health facilities while report timeliness was ratio of reports on the DHIS2 by 14th of the month to number of expected. RESULTS: Completeness of data reporting increase from 70% in 2014 to 87% in 2015, while timeliness of reporting increase from 64% to 87% over the same period. Challenges encountered during the implementation process included limited access to internet, power outages, health workers strike, staff attrition and competing state activities. CONCLUSION: The pilot implementation of the DHIS2 immunization module in Kano State led to modest improvement in the reporting of RI services. Several lessons learned were used to guide scale-up to other states in the country.