During the Global Digital Health Forum 2024, held in Nairobi, key stakeholders in the digital health sector emphasised the importance of considering cultural and local contexts when deploying health technologies across Africa. eHealth Africa (eHA) has been a vocal advocate for integrating these factors into the design and implementation of digital health solutions to enhance public health systems.
Atef Fawaz, Executive Director of eHealth Africa, articulated the necessity of marrying technology with local realities during a panel session at the forum. “Understanding the unique healthcare challenges in each country allows us to deploy tech solutions that truly make an impact,” he underscored. This approach is evidenced by eHealth Africa's successful distribution of over 5.8 million vaccines across 351 primary healthcare facilities in Nigeria, facilitated by the deployment of the Logistics Management Information System (LoMIS) application. Fawaz noted that this system has significantly improved vaccine availability for Routine Immunisation (RI), ensuring that primary healthcare facilities can manage stock effectively and respond to community health needs promptly.
The panel highlighted insights from Abdulhamid Yahaya, Deputy Director of Global Health Informatics, who reaffirmed the necessity of understanding the cultural and regulatory landscapes specific to each community. “Building solutions that are designed with local realities in mind is crucial,” he remarked.
Micheline Ntiru, a Board Member for eHealth Africa, added that technology should serve as a platform for collaboration among global health leaders, tech innovators, and local communities. This collaboration enables stakeholders to develop relevant solutions that fit within the existing constraints of each community, with the backing of local leadership. Notably, local health workers are utilising mobile-based reminder systems which enhance compliance and health outcomes, illustrating how technology can facilitate better communication with parents about immunisation schedules through SMS reminders.
The significance of mobile technology was further highlighted, with studies indicating that around 80 per cent of African households have access to mobile phones. This widespread ownership allows for the timely dissemination of important health information, such as announcements regarding satellite clinic locations during emergencies.
The World Health Organisation supports these developments, indicating that the increasing utilisation of the internet and mobile technologies can effectively enhance national health systems through eHealth solutions and applications. Such innovations not only serve immediate health needs but may also promote long-term positive lifestyle changes to prevent common diseases.
Moderated by Ota Akhigbe, Director of Partnerships and Programs, the panel also featured contributions from a distinguished group of experts, including Serah Malaba from Tiko, Dr Olamide Okulaja of Maisha Meds, Audere’s Dr Dino Rech, and Rachel Alladian from Jacaranda. Their discussions focused on the need for strategic partnerships, regulatory compliance, and contextual awareness as essential drivers for successful digital health innovations.
The forum drew participation from health scholars, researchers, and representatives from ministries of health across several countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Malaysia, Somalia, and Sri Lanka. Additionally, it featured organisations such as the World Bank, medicine manufacturers, and technology vendors, further underscoring the collaborative effort needed to advance digital health initiatives in diverse settings.
Source: Noah Wire Services