Digital Public Infrastructure
Transforming How Data, Decisions and Financing Flow Through Health Systems
Strong health systems depend on strong data systems. Yet across the Global South, healthcare delivery remains fragmented, with limited data visibility, weak financial linkages, and inefficiencies that compromise both outcomes and accountability.
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At Savanna Global Health Institute (SGHI), we are redefining how countries use digital technology to deliver equitable, efficient, and transparent healthcare. Our DPI Pod drives the design and scale-up of interoperable, data-driven infrastructure that connects health financing, service delivery, and decision-making — powering Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and strengthening governance at every level.
The Problem
Digital transformation in health remains uneven across much of the Global South.
Fragmented systems
Digital transformation in health remains uneven across much of the Global South.
Weak governance and cybersecurity
Inconsistent standards, limited regulation, and lack of long-term investment hinder system reliability and trust.
Limited interoperability
Financial, administrative, and service-delivery data are rarely linked, leading to inefficiencies and weak accountability.
Data silos and duplication
Ministries, donors, and implementers often maintain separate databases, creating information gaps and high transaction costs.
Low digital literacy and infrastructure
Connectivity gaps, limited workforce skills, and inadequate hardware constrain data use, especially in rural areas.
The result is a health ecosystem where data exists but cannot inform decisions, where funds move without visibility, and where governments struggle to plan effectively for their populations.
Why It Matters
Digital public infrastructure for health is a critical enabler of universal health coverage and fiscal transparency.
Integrated systems can reduce inefficiencies in health spending by up to 20%, improving the return on every health dollar.
Linking financial and service delivery data increases accountability and ensures that resources reach frontline facilities where care
is delivered.
Predictive analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital identity systems enable faster responses to outbreaks, better targeting of social protection, and more inclusive access to care.
Investing in digital foundations yields long-term dividends — powering innovation, strengthening governance, and accelerating national development goals.
Our Goal
To establish a robust, interoperable digital health infrastructure that enhances accessibility, quality, and efficiency of care — enabling governments and partners to strengthen health financing, improve accountability, and accelerate progress toward UHC.
Strategic Themes and Focus Areas
SGHI’s DPI Pod advances digital transformation through six interconnected themes that together create a trusted, scalable foundation for data-driven governance and service delivery.
01
Public Financial Management (PFM) Integration
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Map and optimize how funds flow across ministries, counties, and facilities.
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Support digital linkages between IFMIS, COBMIS, and eFIF systems to ensure visibility from allocation to expenditure.
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Strengthen financial governance frameworks and accountability mechanisms for public and donor funds.
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Generate real-time expenditure analytics to guide planning and budget performance.
02
Data Interoperability and Analytics
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Integrate EMRs, DHIS2, LMIS, and insurance platforms under a unified digital architecture.
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Enable real-time analytics dashboards that link resource use to service delivery outcomes.
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Establish common data standards and interoperability frameworks to enhance data quality and coordination.
03
Donor and Partner Coordination
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Develop a DPI-H donor coordination mechanism aligned with the “One Plan, One Budget, One M&E Framework” approach.
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Facilitate visibility of on- and off-budget funds, improving planning and reducing duplication.
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Align donor digital investments with national architecture to strengthen sustainability and data ownership.
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Support government stewardship through joint monitoring and learning mechanisms with partners.
04
Policy, Governance, and Institutionalization
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Strengthen national and county governance frameworks for digital health and financing.
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Support development of data governance, privacy, and cybersecurity policies to ensure ethical and secure data use.
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Build institutional structures that sustain DPI beyond individual projects — including steering committees and technical working groups.
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Embed accountability and performance metrics into policy implementation at all levels.
05
Workforce Capacity and Change Management
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Train policymakers, finance officers, and health managers in data use, digital literacy, and performance management.
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Institutionalize capacity-building programs to ensure sustainable use of digital infrastructure.
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Support creation of county-level data and finance “champions” to embed a culture of accountability and evidence-based decision-making.
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Promote cross-sector learning to bridge the gap between ICT, health, and finance expertise.
06
Performance Management and Data Use for Decision-Making
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Develop performance dashboards linking financing to results and health outcomes.
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Institutionalize regular data review and feedback loops between counties and national ministries.
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Use analytics to guide equitable allocation of resources and continuous system improvement.
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Enable leadership teams to shift from reactive to proactive management through real-time data insights.
Our Approach
SGHI’s DPI Pod integrates technology, governance, and financing reform to create digital systems that are equitable, secure and scalable.​
Our approach focuses on three core outcomes:
Visibility
Linking financial flows to service delivery data ensures that resources are traceable from treasuries to facilities.
Accountability
Real-time analytics empower policymakers and the public to track progress and performance.
Efficiency
Streamlined digital processes reduce duplication, speed up disbursements, and improve coordination across institutions.
SGHI supports governments to build national digital health architecture plans, align diverse actors under common frameworks, and embed digital systems into policy and financing cycles.
We advocate for open standards, interoperability and locally led innovation to ensure long-term ownership and sustainability.
Our Impact
Empowered Workforce
Health workers trained in digital tools are improving accuracy, continuity, and patient engagement.
Better Decision-Making
Data dashboards and analytics are helping leaders allocate resources more effectively and evaluate performance.
Systemic Integration
National frameworks for interoperability and data governance are aligning diverse systems under one architecture.
Improved Efficiency
Digital integration has accelerated data reporting and reduced delays in health financing and supply management.
Enhanced Accountability
Governments and partners can now trace funds and monitor service delivery in real time, improving transparency.
SGHI’s DPI work is demonstrating how connected data and financing systems can transform fragmented health sectors into integrated, accountable ecosystems.