Strengthening community-level data quality and reporting for primary healthcare programs: Llessons from ward focal person implementation in Abia state, Nigeria

Background: Accurate and timely health data is essential for planning and decision-makinginprimary healthcare. At the ward level, gaps in data collection, completeness, and reportingoftenaffect the ability of programs to monitor progress and respond to community health needs.

Objective: To assess the role of Ward Focal Persons in improving data quality, completeness, and timely reporting for Primary Healthcare programs in Abia State.

Methods: Community-level health data was collected using both paper tools and KoboCollect. Activities included supportive supervision, data validation, and monthly review meetings. Datacompleteness and timeliness were monitored using Excel dashboards, and feedback wasprovided to health facilities to address gaps.

Results: The deployment of Ward Focal Persons led to improved data completeness andtimeliness. It also enhanced the identification of program gaps and supported evidence-baseddecision-making at LGA and State levels.

Conclusion: Investing in ward-level Monitoring & Evaluation personnel and integrating digital tools significantly strengthens health data systems and improves primary healthcare programoutcomes.

Keywords: Monitoring & Evaluation, Data Quality, Primary Healthcare, Ward Focal Person, Nigeria, KoboCollect