Health Information Systems (HIS) lay the foundation for public health decision-making. Strong and reliable health data informs evidence-based policymaking, leads to better management of public health programmes and, ultimately, drives the actions that improve refugee health.

UNHCR and its partners need stronger capacity to enhance the quality and consistency of health information and to better protect refugee health. Today, more than 200 UNHCR partners deliver public health services to some 14 million refugees, yet there remains no common strategy to underpin the collection, management and use of health information in refugee operations.

A standardised HIS is integral to identifying health problems and implementing effective public health solutions. With the support of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Information Management & Mine Action Programs (iMMAP), UNHCR has developed and field-tested a basket of indicators, tools and guidelines to be used by field partners to monitor health programmes accurately and reliably.

If you have any questions or require further information on the Health Information System (HIS), please contact us at E-mail HIS.

Note: Visit UNHCR's French language website here for HIS documents in French.