Open data kit, a solution implementing a mobile health information system to enhance data management in public health

A Reliable and accurate public health information system is essential for monitoring health and for evaluating and improving the delivery of health-care services and programmes. In Public health, decision-making is critically dependent on the timely availability of accurate and sound data. Open Data Kit (ODK) a free and open-source set of tools can be used by health organizations to author, field, and manage mobile data collection as a sustainable m-Health solution. m-Health encompasses health-related uses of telecommunication and multimedia technologies within health service delivery and public health systems in data collection and management to enhance data quality, reduce turn-around time and facilitate immediate feedback to health systems. This paper evaluates the implementation of ODK as an m-Health solution to enhance data management in public health.