USAID SUN TA • DHIS2 + RapidPro Implementation 2020 – 2024

USAID SUN TA: Building a Multi-Sector Decision Infrastructure

I architected the end-to-end deployment of a DHIS2 platform to unify Nutrition, WASH, and Agriculture data into a single source of truth for the USAID SUN TA program. By replacing fragmented manual systems with a high-governance framework, I enabled multi-level government reporting across 416 facilities.

To solve for the "Offline-First" reality of remote districts, I integrated RapidPro SMS workflows, ensuring that even in zero-connectivity environments, critical field data reached the decision-makers in real-time.

DHIS2 (Aggregate + Tracker) Roles & Access Control Validation Rules RapidPro SMS Analytics & Dashboards

Program Context

Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) is a cross-ministry and multi-donor initiative implemented by NFNC under the Government of the Republic of Zambia’s 1,000 Most Critical Days Program. USAID SUN TA provided technical assistance to strengthen planning, coordination, monitoring and sustainability of integrated interventions.

Why DHIS2

The program initially used KoboToolbox for collection and Power BI for dashboards. Over time, data trust and governance became a challenge due to limitations in access management, record review, reporting windows and case management requirements.

  • Robust role-based access control for government stakeholders
  • Ability to review, validate and revisit records in real time
  • Monthly reporting cut-offs to reduce conflicting submissions
  • Case management workflows not feasible in Kobo
  • Improved control over uptime/downtime and sustainability

Implementation Highlights

National Org Unit Hierarchy 1 Country, 10 Provinces, 82 Districts, 519 Facilities (399 active).
Metadata at Scale 1,065 data elements; 28 data element groups; categories and combinations configured.
Aggregate Datasets 10 datasets across Nutrition, WASH and Agriculture (including HMIS Monthly, WASH Monthly).
Governance & Access 14 user roles, 19 user groups; datasets mapped to org units and permissions.
Data Quality Controls 117 aggregate validation rules + reporting follow-up mechanisms.
Kobo → DHIS2 Migration 44,256 beneficiaries; 17,515 inputs distribution; 7,394 CBV records + 2021 WASH/HMIS.

Tracker & Event Programs

  • Beneficiary Registration (Tracker)
  • Agriculture Inputs Distribution (Tracker)
  • CBV Registration (Tracker)
  • Borehole Installation & Rehabilitation Trackers
  • ODF Claim and Verification
  • Health Facility Coordinates Collection
  • Borehole Water Testing

RapidPro SMS System (Low Connectivity Areas)

To support reporting in low-connectivity settings, I implemented RapidPro workflows that enabled users to submit structured data via SMS using keyword-triggered flows. The design prioritised simplicity, clarity, and reliable reporting without requiring internet connectivity.

My Role & Contribution

  • Business requirements gathering and workflow mapping
  • DHIS2 deployment + configuration (metadata, access, validation)
  • Tracker program design + data migration from Kobo
  • System uptime monitoring + automated backups
  • RapidPro SMS workflows for remote reporting
  • Training, support, and capacity building

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