Balochistan Health department signs MoU with University of Oslo to strengthen digital health system
The Health Department of Balochistan and the University of Oslo’s HISP Centre, Norway, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the province’s digital health system, enhance the effective implementation of DHIS2, and promote local innovations, research, and technical capacity building.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Ababgar Baloch, Provincial Coordinator of Balochistan Health Management Information System (BHMIS/DHIS2), and Prof. Dr. Kristin Braa of the University of Oslo’s HISP Centre, in the presence of Secretary Health Balochistan Syed Mujeeb‑ur‑Rehman. The ceremony was also attended by Dr. Amir from UNICEF Balochistan, Dr. Ahmed Wali, CEO of the Balochistan Health Card Programme, and Dr. Shahko Mengal from the Health Services Reforms Unit (HSRU).
Officials highlighted that UNICEF Pakistan has played a pivotal role in the implementation of DHIS2 in Balochistan, providing staff training, essential equipment, technical support, and continuous feedback to improve reporting compliance and system efficiency. Similarly, HISP Pakistan, with UNICEF’s collaboration, contributed to the technical design, localization, and province‑wide rollout of DHIS2. These joint efforts have significantly strengthened digital health information systems and promoted evidence‑based decision‑making in the province.
The MoU aims to foster academic, research, and practical collaboration between the Health Department and the University of Oslo, improve healthcare delivery through modern digital technologies, and enable mutual learning from shared expertise. Under the agreement, DHIS2 implementation will be expanded further, with a focus on primary healthcare digitalization, climate change and health, and artificial intelligence‑driven local innovations. A strong and sustainable DHIS2 core team will be established within the Health Department, alongside enhanced capacity building for officers and technical staff.
Both institutions will exchange experiences, successful models, and local innovations related to DHIS2, with Balochistan’s initiatives to be showcased at international forums including the DHIS2 Asia Conference and the annual DHIS2 Conference in Oslo. The MoU also provides for joint study visits, technical meetings, collaborative research, academic publications, and other exchanges of mutual interest. Olav Poppe from the University of Oslo and Dr. Ababgar Baloch from the Health Department will serve as focal persons to oversee progress and coordination of joint activities.
Representatives of the University of Oslo praised Balochistan’s digitalization efforts, describing the province’s DHIS2 implementation as exemplary. They expressed confidence that Balochistan’s digital health model will serve as a replicable example for other provinces in Pakistan and stand out globally for effective use of DHIS2, partnerships, and local innovations.
Secretary Health Balochistan Mujeeb‑ur‑Rehman termed the development a milestone in the province’s digital health transformation. He emphasized that international academic and technical cooperation, along with support from development partners, will further improve the quality of health information, evidence‑based decision‑making, monitoring, accountability, and public service delivery. He commended the performance of the BHMIS team and acknowledged the contributions of UNICEF Pakistan and HISP Pakistan, reaffirming the government’s commitment to establishing a modern, integrated, and data‑driven health system in Balochistan.