Integrated Databases for Enhanced QALY/DALY-Based Economic Assessments of Traffic Accidents in Algeria

Abstract

Introduction: Road traffic injuries pose a significant public health and economic burden in Algeria, particularly among young, active populations. Despite the global adoption of DALY and QALY metrics for health planning, Algeria’s fragmented data systems hinder accurate burden estimation. This paper proposes an integrated national database framework to enhance the reliability of BoD metrics, support evidence-based policymaking, and guide targeted interventions for improved road safety and health outcomes.

Objectives: This paper aims to develop a policy framework for integrating health, transport, and demographic data systems in Algeria to improve the accuracy of DALY and QALY metrics and support effective road traffic injury interventions.

Methods: This study uses a qualitative, policy-focused approach that combines comparative analysis and institutional feasibility assessment to improve DALY and QALY estimations in Algeria. Drawing on secondary sources from WHO, IHME, and national agencies in Sweden and Australia, the methodology involves four steps: benchmarking international data systems, mapping Algeria’s current databases, analyzing stakeholder roles, and projecting improvements in BoD metrics from data integration. The process aligns global best practices with Algeria’s institutional context to inform a practical framework for enhancing road injury data quality and supporting evidence-based public health and transport policy.

Results: The study revealed major obstacles to generating accurate DALY and QALY estimates in Algeria due to fragmented institutions, inconsistent technical standards, legal limitations, and human resource shortages. Data on traffic injuries are dispersed across ministries with limited coordination or interoperability. A proposed National Integrated Road Injury Data System (NIRIDS) addresses these issues through a modular, interoperable architecture linking health, police, mortality, and survey data. Key stakeholders and governance structures are identified, with a phased implementation strategy beginning with urban pilots and scaling nationally. The framework emphasizes secure data sharing, digital infrastructure upgrades, and the need for strong political and institutional commitment.

Conclusions: Algeria must modernize its approach to road traffic injury prevention through integrated, data-driven systems. Establishing NIRIDS, supported by legal reform, governance structures, digital infrastructure, and international partnerships, will enable accurate BoD metrics, guide resource allocation, and improve health policy, safety interventions, and long-term outcomes.