At the 2024 Global Digital Health Forum (GDHF) in Nairobi, eHealth Africa (eHA) called for governments and stakeholders to address critical factors beyond technology to ensure the long-term success of digital health solutions across Africa.
Emphasizing the importance of integrating cultural norms and community-specific needs into health interventions, the organization underscored that technology alone cannot drive impactful health outcomes.
“Understanding the unique healthcare challenges in each individual country allows us to deploy tech solutions that truly make an impact,” said Atef Fawaz, eHealth Africa’s Executive Director. He highlighted eHA’s success in Nigeria, where the Logistics Management Information System (LoMIS) application facilitated the delivery of over 5.8 million vaccines to 351 primary healthcare facilities.
This initiative streamlined vaccine distribution, preventing stockouts and strengthening immunization programs at the grassroots level.
Abdulhamid Yahaya, Deputy Director of Global Health Informatics, echoed the sentiment, stressing that solutions must align with local cultural, social, and regulatory landscapes. He pointed out that designing health interventions with local realities in mind ensures better adoption and sustainability.
Micheline Ntiru, an eHA Board Member, noted that technology creates a collaborative platform for stakeholders—global health leaders, tech innovators, and local communities—to develop solutions that align with specific community constraints and receive the backing of local leadership.
Practical examples include the use of mobile-based reminder systems at local immunization centers to send SMS reminders to parents about vaccination schedules and provide educational messages about vaccine-preventable diseases. Mobile technology, now available in 80% of African households, is also utilized during emergencies for mass communication about health services, clinic locations, and schedules.
A panel discussion, moderated by Ota Akhigbe, Director of Partnerships and Programs at eHA, delved deeper into strategies for digital health success. Panelists included Ntiru (Delta40 Ventures), Yahaya (eHealth Africa), Dr. Dino Rech (Audere), Rachel Alladian (Jacaranda), and others, who emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships, regulatory compliance, and local context in driving digital health innovation.
The forum, attended by scholars, researchers, and representatives from health ministries across Africa and Asia, as well as organizations like the World Bank and UN agencies, highlighted the growing role of digital health in strengthening national health systems.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the widespread use of mobile phones, internet, and social networking sites facilitates the deployment of eHealth solutions, which could transform healthcare delivery and encourage healthier lifestyles.
eHealth Africa (eHA) is a non-profit organization committed to strengthening health systems in Africa through innovative, data-driven solutions. Over the past 15 years, eHA has developed a comprehensive platform to tackle health delivery challenges across 24 countries, including Chad, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
The organization prioritizes collaboration to accelerate the adoption of public health innovations, making a lasting impact on health and development initiatives.