[Decentralization of healthcare and analysis of health data: the experience of the community of Zegoua, Mali].

GOALS: In the frame of the project "Bringing the healthcare near to the people of Municipality of Zegoua" one goal was the strengthening of SLIS and its adaptation to the context of decentralization. METHODOLOGY: The research included the decentralized collection and analysis of health data (modern and traditional) and the presentation of key indicators in graphical form to local authorities, to support decision making. RESULTS: The analysis of data from 2006-2008 found: the increase in Curative Consultation from 0.24 to 0.40; achieving universal coverage in Pre-Natal Consultations and Assisted Deliveries, 86.12% coverage in Post-Natal Consultations. For 2008, the evolution of key indicators for month was presented to local authorities and the data were also disaggregated by village. The analysis of financial data allowed to draw up the balance of the Zegoua Polycentric CHCs, and to monitor the capital of essential drugs. About Traditional Medicine, it was identified one traditional healer for 236 inhabitants. The average was 277 patients per month. The first cause of consultation was malaria. The availability of essential information presented in an understandable form has enabled local authorities to identify and locate health problems, and to take timely targeted decisions. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate the importance of strengthening the SLIS and of its adaptation to the context of decentralization, as part of the consolidation of local health systems.