In a bid to bolster disease surveillance and collaborative efforts across international cross-border points, the Ministry of Health has rolled out a suite of digital information technology (IT) equipment.
The consignment includes 34 desktop computers, nine laptops, four tablets, along with 34 uninterrupted power supplies, 30 extensions, and access points. These tools will be deployed at crucial cross-border sites including Busia, Malaba, Elegu, Bibia, Masafu Hospital, and Atiak Health Centre IV in Amuru District.
Dr. Tom Aliti, the Commissioner of Health Services at the Ministry, confirmed the dispatch, stating that the equipment will initially be stationed at Kenya-Uganda entry points in Busia and Tororo. Further deliveries are scheduled for Elegu, situated at the Uganda-South Sudan border, later this week.
Valued at Euros 62,000 (approximately 262.4 million Shillings), the assorted IT equipment was generously donated to the Ministry by the European Union (EU) in collaboration with the German government under the “EU Digital Solutions to Strengthen Disease Surveillance and Monitoring Systems for COVID-19” project.
Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, the Minister for Health, stressed the significance of these technological resources in fortifying disease surveillance capabilities. She emphasized the critical role of frontline health workers in utilizing ICT tools to conduct surveillance and share vital cross-border health data, thereby mitigating the risk of disease transmission.
James Macbeth Forbes, the GIZ Uganda Country Director, highlighted the broader aim of enhancing government data management practices beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative seeks to streamline disease surveillance efforts, making them more efficient and effective.
Echoing these sentiments, Joselyn Bigirwa, the IGAD’s Head of Mission to Uganda, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to leveraging technology for healthier communities and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063.
The partners stressed the importance of collaborative efforts in safeguarding the health of over 230 million people in the IGAD region. By bolstering the health information system and harnessing digital health solutions, they aim to optimize health service delivery.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, IGAD countries have rallied for collective action to combat the spread of the virus. The initiative also aims to implement a regional, transnational, and real-time monitoring and analysis system (SORMAS) to enhance data flow between Member States for effective pandemic control.
Despite challenges posed by COVID-19, Uganda has demonstrated resilience in managing other pandemics such as Ebola and Marburg viruses. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with international partners, remains committed to safeguarding public health and preventing the spread of infectious diseases across borders.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, Uganda has recorded significant achievements in containing previous outbreaks, reflecting the nation’s preparedness and proactive response strategies.