A framework and call to action for regional health information systems interoperability: The Asia eHealth Information Network (AeHIN) experience

Abstract

Achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) requires health systems that can effectively capture, exchange and use health data. Governed by the state and with organised support from both the public and private sectors, digitally enabled and standardised health systems are crucial for providing accessible and equitable healthcare, particularly in low-resource settings. With a vision to strengthen an interoperable digital health ecosystem for better health, the Asia eHealth Information Network (AeHIN) has been promoting learning, resource sharing and knowledge exchange to strengthen digital health through a networking approach. In this chapter, AeHIN presents its ‘Mind the GAPS, Fill the GAPS’ framework and call to action aimed at strengthening regional health information systems interoperability based on its 14 years of collaborative experience with countries in South- and South-East Asia. The framework identifies four foundational challenges that must be assessed (Mind the GAPS) to enable interoperability: governance, enterprise architecture, people and programme management and standards. To help address these challenges (Fill the GAPS) and support country efforts to develop and implement their national digital health strategies, AeHIN has implemented targeted capacity-building initiatives, including convergence workshops, consultative sessions on health data governance policy, various training programs and formation of communities of practice, such as the AeHIN-Community of Interoperability Labs (COIL). The call to action highlights the institutionalisation of a governance mechanism, the implementation of a digital health blueprint, the establishment of national digital health programme management units, the promotion of digital health literacy and use among communities and the adoption of standards. Furthermore, the chapter shares practical applications of the GAPS framework and call to action based on country experiences from Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Philippines. It also promotes the One Health approach to promote interoperability across human, animal and environmental health domains. The chapter concludes that a government-led, stakeholder-centred and participatory approach to national digital health planning can help democratise the process by fostering country ownership and encouraging multisectoral participation (public, private, academic and civil society) rather than a solely donor-driven or technocratic model.