By Asmau Ahmad
A non-governmental organisation, eHealth Africa, has called on governments, health stakeholders in Nigeria and the rest of Africa to invest in data-driven digital solutions for better healthcare in underserved communities.
A statement by the Communications Manager, Judith Owoicho, on Monday in Abuja, said ehealth Africa works on building stronger health systems in Africa.
According to him, there is a need for collaboration amongst all stakeholders to build digital solutions that will improve early detection of potential health emergencies and effective preparedness and response.
She said that this has informed the organisation’s upcoming multi-stakeholder Insight Learning Forum, with the theme “Digital Innovations in Public Health Practice: Lessons and Innovations.”
Owoicho said that the forum would serve as an annual country digital health learning event, bringing together professionals and practitioners in the digital and public health sectors.
She added that the aim was to share experiences, insights, and knowledge regarding the use of digital health innovations in public health implementation.
“The summit is expected to showcase emerging digital health tools, platforms, and technologies that are shaping the future of healthcare delivery.
“It will also provide a platform to discuss ways to ensure that digital health solutions are accessible and equitable for all populations, regardless of socioeconomic status, geography, or health status.
“The Insight Summit presents an opportunity to showcase digital innovations in telemedicine and remote care delivery.
“It also provides digital tools for patients’ engagement and self-management, artificial intelligence and machine learning in healthcare, data privacy and security in digital health,” she said.
“Some of the innovations to be demonstrated include the Logistics Management System (LoMIS), Vaccine Direct Delivery, Laboratory Management Information System (LAMIS), Electronic Management of Immunization Data (EMID), among others,” she said
Reiterating this, Executive Director of the Organisation, Atef Fawaz said that the past two years have been challenging.
This is more so with the COVID-19 pandemic exposing the weaknesses in Nigeria’s healthcare systems and their inadequate preparedness and response to health emergencies.
Fawaz therefore, emphasised the need for organisations to bridge the healthcare gap, particularly in underserved communities across Africa.
He stated: “Aligned with our vision at eHA, we believe that communities can achieve better healthcare outcomes through data-driven digital health solutions.’’
Fawaz said that this underscored the organisation’s decision to host a multi-stakeholder Insight Learning Forum, with the theme “Digital Innovations in Public Health Practice: Lessons and Innovations.”
He said that the forum would serve as an annual country digital health learning event for professionals to share experiences, insights, and knowledge regarding the use of digital health innovations in public health implementation.
Similarly, David Akpan, the Deputy Director of Programmes and Impact in Programme Delivery, said that the Insight Learning Forum had the potential to serve as a platform for showcasing digital health solutions that make a profound impact.
He said: “Building upon the success of the Insight webinar series that commenced over a year ago, we are delighted to inaugurate the Insight Learning Forum.
“This platform will enable practical demonstrations of digital solutions, highlighting success stories, lessons learned, impacts, and prospects, particularly for Nigeria and Africa’s healthcare systems.”
