December 11, 2024
eHealth Africa (eHA) at GDHF2024: Innovation, Collaboration, and Digital Health Impact
The Global Digital Health Forum (GDHF) 2024 brought together thought leaders, innovators, and healthcare experts from around the world, and eHealth Africa (eHA) is pleased to have been a part of this gathering. With a focus on driving health impact through innovation and technology, eHA’s moments at the GDHF were nothing short of inspiring. From insightful presentations to powerful discussions about the future of health in Nigeria and beyond, eHA showcased the incredible potential of digital health to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Break out session- Staying Below the Radar: Innovation, Partnerships, and Technology for Health Impact in Nigeria
eHA held a breakout session titled “Staying Below the Radar: Innovation, Partnerships, and Technology for Health Impact in Nigeria.” The session delved into how digital health solutions can make a meaningful difference in countries like Nigeria, where unique challenges—ranging from security concerns to inadequate infrastructure—require tailored, innovative approaches.Through insights from five distinguished panelists including Micheline Ntiru, Board member at eHealthAfrica, Serah Malaba, Chief Impact Officer Tiko, Jacaranda, Audere CEO Dr. Dino Rech, Dr Olamide Okulaja Senior Director of Scale Programs from Maisha Meds and Abdulhamid Yahaya, Deputy Director, Global Health Informatics eHealth Africa. The discussion covered operational efficiency, cultural alignment, regulatory navigation, and strategic partnerships, offering a holistic view of what it takes to achieve impactful, scalable outcomes in Nigeria.
As Atef Fawaz the Executive Director put it, “Innovation isn’t just about creating new tools; it’s about creating the right tools for the people who need them the most.” The team at eHA is deeply invested in leveraging partnerships and cutting-edge technology to bring health solutions to underserved communities, and the session sparked a thoughtful dialogue on how to balance innovation with accessibility in challenging environments.
Throughout the discussion, it was clear that eHA is not just playing a part in the health tech space; they’re paving the way for sustainable, impactful change. Whether it’s through strengthening collaborations with local stakeholders or designing flexible solutions that work in resource-limited settings, eHA’s approach is rooted in practicality and empathy for the communities they serve.
Demo Presentation: Planfeld—A Game-Changer for Health Monitoring
Later that day, eHealth Africa showcased one of their innovative digital tools—Planfeld. This tool is critical to health data management and monitoring in Nigeria, offering a scalable solution for tracking health programs and ensuring more efficient service delivery.
The demo presentation was informative. Attendees were able to see firsthand how Planfeld streamlines data collection, visualization, and reporting. “Planfeld was built with simplicity in mind,” explained Dayo Akinyele, the product manager during the session. “Our goal was to design something intuitive for health workers on the ground, ensuring that real-time data can be accessed and used to drive decisions.”
The response from the audience was positive. It’s clear that tools like Planfeld are part of the future of healthcare in Africa, and eHA’s commitment to developing such tools ensures they remain at the forefront of digital health innovation.
Leveraging Geospatial Technology to Enhance Vaccination Coverage
Another standout moment from eHealth Africa’s participation at the GDHF was their abstract presentation on “Leveraging Geospatial Technology in Enhancing Vaccination Coverage in Security-Compromised Settings” on Thursday, December 5. The session, addressed one of the most critical challenges in public health today: how to reach vulnerable populations in areas affected by conflict and instability.
The programme manager, Abubakar Shehu shared how geospatial technology—specifically, mapping tools and GPS-enabled data—can play a pivotal role in ensuring that vaccines reach those who need them most, even in the most difficult-to-reach and insecure areas. “In security-compromised settings, logistics can be the biggest hurdle,” He said “But with geospatial tools, we can pinpoint where to focus our efforts and how to safely reach those in need.”
This presentation highlighted the intersection of technology and public health, showing how data and mapping can help navigate the complexities of delivering essential health services in crisis zones. The innovation eHA brings to these high-stakes situations is a perfect example of how technology can serve as a lifeline, even in the most challenging conditions.
A Pop-Up Interview with the Executive Director- Atef Fawaz
A key highlight of eHealth Africa’s participation at GDHF was a spontaneous, insightful, live pop-up interview with Atef Fawaz, eHA’s Executive Director. Fawaz shared valuable insights into the organization’s work and vision for the future of digital health in Africa.
When asked about eHA’s role in driving health innovation, Fawaz emphasized, “At eHealth Africa, we believe that technology must be part of the solution, but it cannot be the only solution. It’s about integrating technology with the realities of the communities we serve, making sure that health workers on the ground have the tools they need to succeed.”
Fawaz also discussed how partnerships play a critical role in eHA’s work, saying, “We cannot do this alone. By collaborating with local governments, NGOs, and global health organizations, we can ensure that our tools are not only effective but sustainable. The future of digital health is in collaboration—it’s about bringing everyone to the table to work toward the same goal.”
Reflecting on the forum, Fawaz noted that eHealth Africa’s involvement in events like GDHF helps build bridges between global innovation and local health needs. “It’s an opportunity to learn, share, and inspire others who are working toward the same mission—improving health outcomes for communities that are often overlooked.”
The interview with Fawaz highlighted eHealth Africa’s commitment to sustainable, impactful health solutions and their dedication to creating a future where digital health tools are accessible, effective, and widely adopted.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Digital Health
As the GDHF wrapped up, it was clear that eHealth Africa’s contribution to the forum was invaluable. Their presentations not only showcased the immense potential of digital health tools but also underscored the importance of collaboration, context-sensitive solutions, and a deep understanding of local needs.
As Abdulhamid Yahaya, The Deputy Director Global Health Informatics summed it up, “We’re not just developing tools. We’re developing relationships and trust with the communities we serve. That’s how we can achieve a lasting health impact.”
Looking ahead, eHealth Africa is committed to continuing their mission of using innovation and technology to transform healthcare in Africa.
Whether it’s through tools like Planfeld, or using geospatial technology to enhance vaccination coverage in hard-to-reach areas, eHealth Africa is proving that digital health is not just a trend—it’s the future of healthcare.
To learn more about eHealth Africa’s work and its impact on health innovation, visit eHealth Africa Website.
