Strategic Planning and Information Management

The Strategic Planning and Information Management (SPIM) pillar plays a vital role in strengthening Zambia’s public health systems through the integration of strategic foresight, evidence-based planning, and robust information management. This pillar is mandated to plan, design, monitor, coordinate, and implement key activities that support preparedness and response to all-hazard public health emergencies, including outbreaks, epidemics, and other health threats.

At its core, SPIM ensures that Zambia’s health security efforts are guided by reliable data, strategic direction, and continuous performance evaluation. It acts as the backbone for decision-making processes and resource allocation across the public health ecosystem.

To actualize its mandate, the department focuses on four thematic areas:

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
The department is responsible for developing M&E frameworks and tools to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of public health programs and interventions. It supports continuous learning and adaptation by generating performance reports, conducting evaluations, and recommending strategic adjustments.

Strategic Public Health Planning
This involves the development of national and sub-national public health strategies, frameworks, and action plans that align with both local priorities and international health regulations. It includes forecasting potential health threats, setting long-term goals, and ensuring that the public health system remains agile and responsive to emerging challenges.

Information Management
The pillar oversees the design and maintenance of integrated information systems for real-time data collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination. It ensures that timely and accurate data is available to guide evidence-based interventions and policy decisions. This includes the development of dashboards, data repositories, and digital tools to support surveillance and reporting.

Public Health Research
SPIM facilitates the generation and use of scientific evidence to inform public health actions. It promotes operational and implementation research, collaborates with academic institutions and research bodies, and ensures that findings are translated into practical recommendations that improve public health outcomes.