Digital Health Innovation Archives

Shaping the Future of Public Health: Key Takeaways from ILF 2024

Posted on August 2, 2024September 5, 2024 by Favour Oriaku

The atmosphere at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja was electric on July 31st, as public health professionals, digital innovators, policymakers, and enthusiastic participants gathered for the Insights Learning Forum (ILF) 2024. With the theme “Digital Transformation in Public Health Practice: Innovations and Impact,” the forum became a pivotal event focused on the future of public health in Africa. It was more than just a gathering of professionals—it was a call to action for those committed to reshaping healthcare through technology.

The day began with a heartfelt welcome from Atef Fawaz, Executive Director of eHealth Africa, whose words set the collaborative tone for the day. “Let’s make this an avenue for exchanging information, ideas, and learning from each other,” he said. “We can only improve the system, outcomes, and impact by collaborating and sharing our knowledge.” His sentiment echoed through the room, creating an atmosphere of unity and shared purpose as participants prepared to engage in deep discussions and innovative thinking.

Ota Akhigbe, Director of Partnerships and Programs at eHealth Africa, followed with opening remarks that emphasized the importance of the event. “This is more than just a conference; it’s a convergence of strategic minds focused on reshaping the public health landscape in Nigeria,” she stated. Her words ignited excitement as participants anticipated the wealth of insights that awaited them.

The keynote address, delivered by Adam Thompson, Co-founder of eHealth Africa and CEO of EHA Clinics, painted a vivid picture of how far digital health innovation has come over the last 15 years. Reflecting on the journey, he remarked, “We recognized the massive issue of quality, not just access, in healthcare. Our goal was to deliver exceptional, patient-centered primary care.” Thompson highlighted the role of digital tools like GetCare, which have enhanced team-based care and improved communication between healthcare providers, underscoring the need for quality-driven approaches in public health.

Dr. David Akpan, Deputy Director of Partnerships and Programs at eHealth Africa, expanded on the event’s theme, stressing the urgency of embracing digital innovations in public health. “Digital innovation is crucial to enhancing public health care, and this is something we are committed to advancing,” he affirmed. His insights laid the groundwork for the technical sessions that would delve into the complexities and possibilities of digital health.

The technical sessions were a cornerstone of ILF 2024, featuring presentations that sparked thought and conversation. Emeka Chukwu from the Digital Health Interoperability Network (DHIN) underscored the importance of data accessibility in healthcare. “Interoperability is key. When data is accessible across various points of care, patients can be more informed about their health,” he remarked, highlighting the need for integrated digital systems.

Another powerful moment came when Engr. Kaka Sanusi, representing Dr. Kashifu Inuwa of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), spoke about the challenges Nigeria faces in healthcare and the role of accurate data in overcoming them. “Digital collaboration is crucial. Joining resources can accelerate digital innovation in Nigeria’s public health space,” he emphasized, shedding light on the potential of technology to solve systemic issues.

Dayo Akinleye from eHealth Africa introduced the Logistic Management Information System (LoMIS), a game-changing tool that has improved vaccine distribution across Nigeria. “LoMIS has facilitated the delivery of 17 million vaccines, ensuring continuous accountability in vaccine distribution,” he shared, illustrating how digital tools are making a tangible impact in critical healthcare areas.

The panel discussion titled “Scaling Up Digital Health Innovations – Overcoming Implementation Challenges and Achieving Sustainability” was equally engaging. Moderated by Abdulhamid Yahaya, Deputy Director, Global Health Informatics (GHI) & IT at eHealth Africa, the session brought diverse perspectives to the forefront. Njide Ndili, Country Director of PharmAccess Nigeria, pointed out the need for healthcare access in underserved communities. “Proper interoperability and government involvement are essential for the sustainability of digital health solutions,” she noted, reinforcing the importance of systemic support.

Dr. Ifunanya Ilodibe, VP of EHA Clinics, spoke about the necessity of user-friendly tools in healthcare. “Tools for improvement should be simple to use to ensure continuous adoption in healthcare,” she said, emphasizing the role of accessibility in successful innovation.

The excitement for the future was palpable as the forum drew to a close. Dr. David Akpan’s closing remarks were filled with gratitude and hope. “Thank you once again for your support and for being a part of ILF 2024. We look forward to staying connected and continuing our collective journey towards digital innovation and transformation in public health,” he concluded, leaving participants with a sense of accomplishment and a shared commitment to driving change.

The Insights Learning Forum 2024 was not just an event; it was a movement, a catalyst for transformation in public health. The discussions and ideas exchanged have set the stage for future innovations that will tackle urgent challenges and create lasting impact across Africa. As we move forward, the commitment to leveraging digital technologies for public health remains unwavering, and the connections forged at ILF 2024 will continue to inspire collaboration, innovation, and meaningful change.

Connect, Learn, Innovate: Why You Should Attend the Insights Learning Forum (ILF) 2024

Posted on July 15, 2024September 5, 2024 by Moshood Isah

By Favour Oriaku

Connect, Learn, Innovate: Why You Should Attend ILF 2024

Africa is on the brink of a healthcare transformation, one driven by the power of digital innovation. The Insights Learning Forum (ILF) is at the forefront of this movement, catalyzing collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the development of groundbreaking solutions.

Born from the success of the Insights by eHA webinar series, ILF has rapidly evolved into an indispensable platform for digital and public health professionals. As Dr. David Akpan, Deputy Director of Programs and Partnerships at eHA, aptly stated, “We are building a national collaboration with this forum to advance knowledge and give people the opportunity to learn what other ideas can be incorporated into their digital innovations. This whole essence is to ensure that we are all building people-centered digital solutions that are scalable and interoperable.”

At its core, ILF is a community of passionate individuals united by a shared vision of a healthier Africa. It’s a space where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are forged, and challenges are transformed into opportunities. By bringing together experts from diverse backgrounds, ILF fosters a rich environment for learning and growth.

The 2024 edition of ILF promises to be even more impactful, with a focus on “Digital Transformaton in Public Health Practice: Innovations and Impact.” As Atef Fawaz, eHealth Africa’s executive director, emphasized, “This high-level forum will bring together digital and public health experts from across the world to harness the power of technology and collaboration in pioneering groundbreaking solutions to address the evolving health challenges facing Africa.”

One of the key areas of focus at ILF 2024 is the optimization of geospatial data for disaster response and public health preparedness. By leveraging location-based information, healthcare providers and policymakers can better anticipate and respond to emergencies, saving lives and minimizing the impact of crises.

Another critical theme is mastering public health emergency management. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of robust emergency response plans. ILF 2024 will delve into best practices and strategies for effectively managing public health crises, ensuring that Africa is better prepared for future challenges.

Digital campaigns play a vital role in promoting health and preventing diseases. ILF will explore innovative approaches to digital campaign planning and monitoring, empowering organizations to reach and engage communities effectively. Additionally, the forum will address the challenges and opportunities of disease prevention and surveillance, with a focus on early detection and response.

Food security is a pressing issue in many parts of Africa. ILF 2024 will showcase how digital solutions can be harnessed to improve food production, distribution, and access. Technology indeed can play a crucial role in ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food.

ILF offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, learn from experts, and contribute to building a healthier Africa. Whether you’re a seasoned digital health professional or just starting your journey, there’s something valuable for everyone at this event.

By attending ILF 2024, you’ll gain insights into the latest trends and innovations, network with influential leaders, and leave inspired to make a difference. Join us in shaping the future of healthcare in Africa.

Date: July 31, 2024
Time: 9 AM to 5 PM
Location: Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria
Register now to attend virtually: https://bit.ly/ILF24-Online

Let’s work together to create a future where technology empowers communities and improves lives.

eHealth Africa hosts the Insight Learning Forum 2023: Stakeholders Call for Interoperability and Institutionalization of Digital Health Innovations

Posted on August 2, 2023August 25, 2024 by Moshood Isah

By Moshood Isah

In recent years, there have been discussions to advance digital health innovations in a bid to tackle public health challenges especially in developing countries of the world. This has led to the proliferation of digital innovations in public health in a bid to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This was the focus of discussion at the multi-stakeholder Insight Learning Forum organized by eHealth Africa on Wednesday, 26th July, with the theme “Digital Innovations in Public Health Practice: Lessons and Impact. The forum officially launches an annual country digital health learning event, bringing together professionals and practitioners in the digital and public health sectors to share experiences, insights, and knowledge regarding the use of digital health innovations in public health implementation.

The Executive Director of eHealth Africa, Atef Fawaz stated the relevance of the gathering saying, “it encourages the sharing of ideas and knowledge in a bid to explore solutions that will transform the way projects are being delivered to improve the health sector”. This is in line with Report of the UN Secretary-General’s High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation that reveals that digital technologies have advanced more rapidly than any innovation in our history; reaching around 50 percent of the developing world’s population in only two decades and transforming societies.

In his own remark, Deputy Director, Programs and Impact in Program Delivery at ehealth Africa David Akpan said “the maiden edition of the forum is to provide a platform for organizations to exhibit their solutions and subsequently, it will lead to potential interoperability, alignment and integration of these solutions.” This according to him will ensure that talks on digital innovations in Nigeria will be as entities rather than individual innovators.

The Global Digital Health Strategy (2022-2025) designed by the World Health Organisation stresses the standard practice that players in the health sector are supposed to help countries achieve. Further emphasizing the role of stakeholders and importance of collaborations like the Insight Forum Pharmacist Murtala Bello, Director, Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA) said the meeting would present stakeholders with additional digital health solutions from other people so as to pick their interest to effectively utilize it to solve healthcare delivery service challenges.

The Insight Learning Forum presented an opportunity for organizations to showcase digital innovations which have been instrumental in disease surveillance, vaccine delivery in different parts of Nigeria and some parts of Africa. Some of the innovations demonstrated include the Logistics Management System (LoMIS), Vaccine Direct Delivery, enhancing HIV patients care, Laboratory Management Information System (LAMIS), IMMAP, among others.

The forum also featured a panel session where it dissects interoperability of Digital Health Innovations in Public Health across the African Region. The panelists featuring the Deputy Director, Global Health Informatics in ICT Services, Abdulhamid Yahaya from eHA, Evans Ondura, Deputy Country Director DataFi and Emeka Chukwu, Senior Digital Advisor at Health Enabled emphasized the need to ensure a responsible African context sensitive digital solution and the need to develop solutions that distinctly provide solutions or enhance existing innovations.

Digital Health Innovations Will Revolutionize Anti-malaria Fight – Expert

Posted on April 28, 2023August 25, 2024 by Moshood Isah

By Moshood Isah

As part of effort and advocacy to achieve Zero Malaria by 2030, experts have continued to call stakeholders in the health sector to intensify the adoption and deployment of digital health innovations for the fight against malaria especially in the African region. This is in line with the 2023 Malaria Day theme; time to deliver Zero Malaria: invest, innovate, implement.

To commemorate World Malaria Day 2023, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had urged countries affected by malaria globally to accelerate the reach of high-impact tools and strategies to prevent, detect and treat malaria, with a focus on reaching the most vulnerable, ensuring that no one is left behind.

According to the World Health Organisation, there were an estimated 247 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2021 with over 600,000 malaria deaths yearly. Unfortunately, the African Region is reportedly home to 95% of malaria cases and 96% of malaria deaths with Children under 5 accounting for about 80% of all malaria deaths in the Region.

Despite continued effort to eradicate malaria, the parasite remains a challenge especially amongst children. This is largely due to rising resistance to insecticide-treated nets and to antimalarial drugs particularly in Africa according to the World Health Organisation. It is more than ever imperative to deploy innovative ways to combat the parasite which is why stakeholders are now turning towards the use of digital tools. Adoption and deployment of innovative digital tools have helped in early detection, improved diagnosis and potentially better treatment of Malaria parasites in the predominantly affected locations.

For instance, Lomis, an offline logistic management tool was custom-built by eHealth Africa for the Seasonal Malaria Campaign (SMC) in Borno, Nigeria. The platform was used to support the distribution of malaria commodities, including insecticide treated nets (ITNs), malaria diagnostic kits, and antimalarial drugs. Through the platform, government and development partners were able to track the distribution of malaria commodities from the national level down to the health facility level. Plainfield is another eHealth Africa’s digital solution- a mobile and web-based application that helps you plan field logistics for public health interventions. It is deployed for malaria campaigns to ensure better planning, tracking of teams, data collection, and coverage with geospatial tools. Other tools proving to be important in fighting malaria especially in the area of logistics management and distributon, include CommCare, Redrose, Reveal amongst others.

Speaking during Insights- a public health webinar hosted by eHealth Africa, medical expert, Dr Dennis Marke, a clinician and program manager, Systems strengthening in the ministry of Health and Science and National Malaria control program in Sierra Leone reiterated the need to strengthen public private partnership to improve the fight against malaria through improved access to medical information, communication and health application in issues around malaria control.

The webinar series tagged; insight titled “Time to Deliver Zero Malaria: Investing in Sustainable Digital Health Innovations,” fosters conversations with professionals within the public health space. During the discussion, Dr Dennis said digital health tools have proven instrumental in the seemingly unending antimalaria fight in the region.

According to him, mobile based innovations through SMS messages have between 70-80% penetration in Sierra Leone and have been effective in reaching out to the population about the symptoms of Malaria and need for testing. He gave an instance saying, “in the 2017 mass campaign, we used rocket pro mobile applications to track the supply of medical equipment and drugs at our peripheral health units”.

Dr Dennis also mentioned other forms of digital tools like Solar Power Mosquito Trap; District Health Information System(DHIS) amongst others, that have been instrumental in laboratory analysis, research, surveillance and tracking of health interventions even in remote communities.

While admitting the existing challenge of Internet connectivity in some hard to reach communities he said, “you can have this technology sitting out there and if the cell phone penetration is the hardest to reach, the marginalized communities are not covered, that’s a huge challenge”. He called for proper coordination in delivering digital health interventions, through effective mapping of digital health partners to identify their areas of strength. This according to him will ensure unity of purpose and to ensure all partners work towards achieving the overall goal of fighting against malaria.

Insights is a Public Health webinar series hosted by eHealth Africa. The webinar series enables conversation with public health professionals to establish eHealth Africa as a thought leader in the Public Health space, create visibility for the organization and create new opportunities for business opportunities for the organization within the public health space.

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