Khartoum- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) together with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Federal Ministry of Health in Sudan organised a two-day workshop on integrating migration data module into the national health information management system in Sudan.  

The workshop aimed at providing a platform for relevant stakeholders in Sudan, consisting of representatives from different government departments, the health sector, other United Nations agencies, and the private sector, to discuss good practices from other regions, challenges and  gaps, and introduced ongoing related initiatives in Sudan that can contribute to integrating migration data to the national health information system.

“Strengthening the existing health information system in Sudan by integrating migrants and refugee health data into the national health information system can enhance responsiveness to the emerging needs in Sudan, and inform evidence-based policy making,” said Bernard Lami, IOM Deputy Chief of Mission in Sudan.

Sudan is a source, transit, and destination country at the centre of several migration routes. It hosts several migrant populations, as well as large populations of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees.

“The experience of displacement and migration is considered as one of the determinants of health and wellbeing; it has significant implications on refugees and migrants, their families, and the host communities. Without refugee and migrant specific data, we cannot develop the health policies and plans to address these challenges and improve the health and wellbeing of this community, including the host communities,” said Dr. Imadeldine Ismail, Health System Strengthening Team Lead, WHO Sudan.

The health information management system in Sudan continues to experience critical gaps in coverage, data quality, and data availability, despite existing efforts put in place by the Ministry of Health and health sector partners.

This gap has been detrimental to both government and humanitarian partners in understanding the exact needs of vulnerable populations and communities which is needed for effective preparedness and response planning to health emergencies in the country.

As an outcome of the workshop, participants agreed and drafted several key recommendations and ways forward towards the integration of  migration data module into the national health information system in Sudan.

For more information, please contact IOM Sudan at IOMSudanmedia@iom.int