Fresh Look, Bigger Stories, and Exciting New Additions!
From our impactful participation at AidEx and Development2030 Geneva, where eHealth Africa showcased digital innovations transforming health systems across Africa, to high-level advocacy with the Sultan of Sokoto, strategic partnerships with Schneider Electric, and evidence-driven nutrition policy development, this week’s edition is filled with stories of collaboration, innovation, and progress.
You’ll also find short updates from our ongoing projects, reflections on how we’re building sustainable, people-centered health systems, and exciting news about what’s ahead for our teams. Plus, we’re introducing fun quizzes and puzzles with PRIZES TO BE WON by the first 3 CORRECT ANSWERS, and other interactive features to make your reading experience even more engaging.
Keep reading to explore the NEW FACE OF THE EHA WEEKLY DIGEST, where every story connects you to the impact we’re creating across Africa, one innovation at a time.
Essential Information
Building Partnerships for a Healthier Africa at AidEx 2025
At AidEx 2025 in Geneva, eHealth Africa’s participation spotlighted the power of innovation and partnership in strengthening public health systems across Africa. Our booth served as a hub for collaboration as representatives from INGOs, local NGOs, donors, private sector organizations, and government agencies explored how our digital health solutions are transforming care delivery. Demonstrations of our Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), now operational in over 40 locations across the continent, alongside other data-driven tools, showcased our commitment to building resilient, technology-enabled health systems.
Engagements with organizations such as the Office of Development Affairs, Beekee, i+solutions, Terre Innovative Healthcare, and many others reaffirmed a shared vision for sustainable health transformation. For eHealth Africa, each interaction strengthened our collective mission to improve health outcomes, empower communities, and drive lasting impact across Africa.
Strengthening Efficiency by Reviewing Business Development Processes
As part of eHealth Africa’s continuous improvement drive, key department heads recently convened to review and refine the organization’s Business Development processes. The session focused on identifying opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce turnaround time, and ensure that every effort directly contributes to impact in the communities we serve.
The review aligns with eHA’s commitment to maintaining a lean culture, one that values efficiency, collaboration, and meaningful outcomes. By examining how proposals are developed, partnerships are managed, and internal processes are coordinated, the team aims to strengthen alignment across departments and reinforce eHA’s mission of building healthier, more prosperous communities through data-driven and people-centered solutions.
Strengthening Geospatial Skills for a Data-Driven Health Workforce
eHealth Africa joined key stakeholders at the National Geospatial Curriculum Review and Validation Workshop in Abuja to advance the development of a standardized curriculum for health professionals. The session, convened to align the draft curriculum with national and subnational realities, featured inputs from government agencies, academia, and development partners. Findings from recent geospatial needs assessments revealed growing use of digital mapping tools across health systems and underscored the need for operational, context-driven training.
Representing the technical lead on curriculum enhancement, eHealth Africa contributed practical recommendations that were fully adopted. These included the integration of mobile-first workflows, offline navigation tools, narrative case studies from Nigeria’s immunization and disease surveillance programs, and bilingual training materials. The collaborative process set the stage for pilot implementation at Bayero University Kano and affirmed eHA’s commitment to strengthening geospatial capacity within Nigeria’s health workforce.
Building Stronger Community Engagement Tools: eHA at the ETI COMM-R Toolkit Workshop eHealth Africa participated in the ETI COMM-R Toolkit Micro User Pre-test Workshop held in Abuja, which brought together partners, community-based organizations, and program managers to co-create a standardized toolkit for community mobilisation, monitoring, and reporting. The sessions focused on developing adaptable, user-friendly tools that simplify documentation, strengthen accountability, and improve collaboration between stakeholders working at the grassroots level.
Through technical sessions, group work, and peer feedback, participants contributed to shaping a toolkit that reflects real-world challenges and best practices from the field. The next phase will involve pre-testing and refining the tools to ensure usability and relevance before full rollout. The COMM-R Toolkit is a key step toward improving community engagement systems and promoting data-driven, sustainable interventions across Nigeria’s health programs.
Exploring Sustainable Energy Partnerships with Schneider Electric
eHealth Africa engaged Schneider Electric (SE) in an exploratory meeting to identify collaboration opportunities that strengthen climate adaptation within health systems. Discussions centered on leveraging SE’s global expertise in solarizing health facilities and advancing sustainable energy solutions, aligning with eHA’s focus on Climate Adaptation in Health, Food Security, and Nutrition (CAHFSN). The meeting also explored flexible partnership models, product warranties, importation timelines, and SE’s willingness to co-design proposals and operate in security-challenged regions.
Both organizations expressed strong interest in joint initiatives that promote renewable energy access and resilience in health infrastructure. Schneider Electric’s experience powering thousands of health facilities globally complements eHealth Africa’s commitment to driving sustainable, people-centered innovations across Africa. As a next step, SE will be invited to participate in eHA’s upcoming stakeholder roundtable on climate resilience in health under the CAHFSN program area.
Driving Evidence for Change: TPAC Conducts Endline Assessment on Fortified Edible Oil Awareness and Compliance in Abia and Lagos States
Building on the baseline findings, the TPAC project commenced the Endline Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) Assessment across Abia and Lagos States last week to evaluate the outcomes of advocacy efforts promoting large-scale food fortification and the phase-out of unbranded bulk edible oils. The assessment engaged key stakeholder groups, including the private sector (oil producers and distributors), media professionals, civil society organizations, traditional and religious leaders.
These engagements not only provided critical insights into shifts in stakeholder awareness and commitment since the baseline assessment but also reinforced the collaborative spirit driving the LSFF movement in Nigeria. The strong participation and feedback from both state engagements demonstrate sustained momentum toward improving food fortification compliance and public awareness. The findings from this endline will support evidence-based learning for GAIN and implementing partners
Strengthening Immunization Advocacy with the Sultan of Sokoto
As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s immunization ecosystem, we had the distinct honour of visiting His Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, CFR, mni. During the visit, we underscored the vital role of traditional leaders in driving community trust and championing vaccination efforts across the country.
We also shared updates on our ongoing initiative to strengthen the traditional leaders’ database and enhance community mobilization, monitoring, and response in support of immunization campaigns. With His Eminence’s steadfast support and influence, we believe traditional institutions can play an even greater role in protecting children and improving vaccine uptake nationwide.
Strengthening Nutrition Policy: eHA Contributes to National Strategy on Micronutrient Deficiency
eHealth Africa (eHA), represented by Dominic Gulak, Associate Manager, Food Security & Nutrition, participated in a three-day national stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW) and partner (CS-SUNN) from 6th–8th October 2025, to commence the development of a National Strategy and revision of the 2021 National Guideline for the Prevention and Control of Micronutrient Deficiency (MNDC) in Nigeria. The meeting convened key actors from government, development partners, academia, and civil society to review the current micronutrient situation and address gaps in coordination, monitoring, and policy implementation. Discussions centred on challenges such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies (Vitamin A, Zinc, Iron, Folic Acid, and Iodine), weak enforcement mechanisms, and fragmented programming, with a focus on strengthening national systems and data-driven interventions.
Participants reviewed the 2021 MNDC guideline and the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the MNDC Advisory Committee and agreed on timelines for the presentation of a zero draft of the guideline by 29th October 2025 and a follow-up review meeting by 9th November 2025 (tentatively). eHealth Africa’s participation reinforces our commitment and collective action toward improved nutrition and public health outcomes across Nigeria.
Have you registered for the 36th Edition of the eHealth Africa Insights Webinar?
When outbreaks strike, speed and coordination save lives. Across Africa, Public Health Emergency Operation Centers (PHEOCs) are transforming emergency response by turning data into action. This month’s Insights Webinar will explore how these hubs are helping countries move from reactive outbreak management to sustained health system resilience.
📅 Date: Wednesday, October 29th, 2025 🕒 Time: 3:00 – 4:00 PM WAT Join the conversation shaping Africa’s health security future, Register here.
October 24th each year commemorates World Polio Day. This commemoration isn’t just an opportunity to reflect on the journey towards the eradication of the disease but also to remind all stakeholders of the seemingly unending battle to eliminate what has been described as a crippling and life-threatening illness.
The European Region was declared polio-free in 2002 and has maintained this status every year since. While the African region was declared polio-free in 2020, the emergence of circulating Variant Poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2) continues to be an important area of focus. This means other low- and medium-income countries, including Nigeria, continue to play catch-up.
With over 70 cases reported across 46 local government areas (LGAs) in 14 states, Nigeria is currently witnessing intense transmission of cVPV2. This is largely due to issues surrounding vaccine hesitancy, which has led to low vaccination coverage. Similarly, misinformation and distrust about the potency and intentions of vaccination have significantly contributed to the low rate of herd immunity against the disease.
Another major barrier that developing and underdeveloped nations face is political instability and ongoing conflicts. This severely restricts access to vaccination campaigns, making it difficult to reach underserved communities and leaving them vulnerable. The challenges posed by health supply chains, sometimes exacerbated by insecurity and logistics gaps, have also consistently impacted the availability of polio vaccines for effective distribution, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Given the potential devastating effects of polio—such as paralysis and psychosocial impact—along with the speed at which this disease can spread, the urgency needed to end this scourge remains critical. While the progress made is impressive, nearly eradicating polio is not good enough. Locations with incomplete vaccination coverage may experience outbreaks that can rapidly escalate into fresh public health emergencies.
Funke Ibikunke, the EHA Project field Officer Sokoto State updating the data derived by the House to house mobilizers on the tracking devices
December 11, 2023.
The Sokoto North LGA review meeting Sokoto North LGA Secretariat
December 11, 2023.
Focus Group discussion LGA Cold Chain officers on effective Vaccine delivery
Vaccine Direct Delivery (VDD) in Sokoto captures the essence of efficient vaccine distribution. VDD ensures the seamless transfer of vaccines and dry commodities from the state cold store to ward-level health facilities. This image highlights the precision and dedication of VDD’s logistics, emphasizing its critical role in enhancing healthcare delivery.
A Ward focal person ties a box containing the vaccines he has received for the day as he get ready to begin his day’s work
Bodinga LGA, Sokoto
13 December, 2023
A Ward focal person picking up tracking devices from the project field officer as they begin their day’s work
Bodinga LGA, Sokoto
13 December, 2023
The coordination of efforts by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) over the years has been critical to the global effort to eradicate polio, involving significant investments of financial and human resources. This further underscores the importance of strengthening existing collaborations at all levels to accelerate the end of polio in the African region.
For instance, eHealth Africa is working with key partners, such as the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development, to engage traditional and religious institutions in leading the polio vaccination drive. The intervention led by the Sultan of Sokoto himself, His Eminence Dr. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has built trust within communities across northern Nigeria to increase vaccine uptake. To a significant extent, religious leaders, traditional leaders, and village heads have been flagging off vaccination campaigns from their palaces and chambers, which has undoubtedly improved acceptance of vaccines, especially in rural communities.
The urgency of reaching rural communities has also prompted the deployment of digital innovations like Geospatial Tracking Systems (GTS) to track and identify missed settlements. These systems have helped increase vaccination coverage while providing data-driven insights for decision-making. This has improved the quality and accountability of campaign implementation by validating the reports generated by vaccination teams.
Similarly, digital innovations like Planfeld, recently piloted by eHealth Africa, have been instrumental in enhancing the accuracy of planning vaccination campaigns and reaching every settlement. The application provides information on the exact number of settlements being targeted, the number of children in those areas, and the amount of vaccine required for the activity.
Aside from the deployment of technology, social behavioral change interventions at all levels have been another key approach in the journey to end polio. Irrespective of their roles, every step taken toward alleviating this disease is crucial. From international public health leaders to caregivers in the most remote locations, the influence of every stakeholder remains vital to the final push to end polio in Nigeria and the African continent.
Importantly, the emergence of other potential public health crises—such as cholera, monkeypox, hypertension, and diabetes—increases the urgency of ending the long-standing battle against polio. This will ensure that more global health funding is directed toward addressing other health issues, averting potential public health emergencies.
As we unite to push for a future without polio, this will be a testament to our collective resolve and humanity’s ability to unite for a common cause. We are indeed on the brink of history as we deliver the final blow to this disease once and for all.
Moshood Isah is a Communications Coordinator at eHealth Africa.
It is August 2023, in a remote Nigerian village in Northern Nigeria. Children 5 years and below are on a queue waiting to be vaccinated against polio. At Least, 2,509,687 children have already benefited from the 18-day mass vaccination campaign to boost their immunity against Circulating Variant Poliovirus (cVPV2). (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023).
This raises an important question. If Nigeria was declared polio free in 2020, why do we still require polio vaccinations campaigns today? After years of collaborative efforts, significant progress was made in eliminating polio. However, the threat of circulating variant poliovirus (cVPV2) lingers, particularly in remote areas of Northern Nigeria. Efforts are being made to ensure that we see the end of this disease.
As Nigeria continues the journey towards finally eradicating polio, digital innovation has become a vital tool in ensuring the success of the country’s vaccination efforts. One of such innovative solutions is the integration of GIS tracking systems on eHealth Africa’s polio interventions. This revolutionary innovation has transformed how vaccination campaigns are planned, tracked, and executed.
A Ward focal person ties a box containing the vaccines he has received for the day as he get ready to begin his day’s work
Bodinga LGA, Sokoto
13 December, 2023
A Ward focal person picking up tracking devices from the project field officer as they begin their day’s work
Bodinga LGA, Sokoto
13 December, 2023
A child receives a FIPV vaccine in Kofan Kade, Mallam Dani’ma Quranic school, Sokoto north LGA Sokoto State.
December 10, 2023
Here are five key reasons why digital innovation is the game-changer in Nigeria’s final push to end polio.
1. Every community is reached with accuracy
The foremost challenge in eradicating polio in Nigeria has been reaching remote and conflict-ridden areas where vaccination coverage is inconsistent. With difficult terrains, and insecurity, It is often nearly impossible to ensure that no child is left behind. With eHealth Africa’s GIS technology, teams are able to track and locate settlements in hard-to-reach areas with geo-coordinates of over 70% of settlements that were previously unmapped. This level of precision has allowed vaccination teams to better plan and ensure that no community is overlooked, increasing vaccination coverage rates. In 2023, the geo-coverage rate of vaccination activities tracked rose to 89%, representing a 6% increase over the previous quarter. This data-driven approach has been instrumental in reaching more than 1.4 million children in tracked settlements across the country.
2. Vaccination Campaigns are Monitored Real-time
One useful aspect of digital technology is its ability to provide real-time data and feedback. Vaccination campaigns can now be tracked in real time, allowing for immediate course corrections if any gaps are identified. The GIS technology has made it possible to track vaccination teams as they move from one settlement to another, providing health authorities with the data they need to ensure that every planned area is covered. With this technology during the vaccination campaign in April 2023 12,791 settlements across 56 LGAs in Katsina, Niger, Sokoto, and Zamfara, were reached, achieving an impressive 81% of the planned coverage. This real-time accountability has ensured that vaccine wastage is minimized, resources are optimally allocated, and the campaign’s impact is maximized.
3. Tailored Trainings for Vaccination Teams
Digital innovation not only improves logistical planning and monitoring but also equips health workers with the necessary tools and knowledge to enhance their effectiveness. With the GIS Intervention, eHealth Africa trained 107 individuals across five states—Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, and Sokoto—to effectively use digital tools and geospatial data to improve their vaccination outreach. These training efforts have empowered local teams and equipped health workers with the knowledge needed to adjust strategies on the go, to achieve more successful campaign outcomes.
4. Enhanced Micro Planning for Campaigns
Polio eradication requires meticulous planning, especially in regions where settlements are small, scattered, and often unmapped. Digital health tools have drastically improved micro planning by providing vaccination teams with up-to-date settlement data and templates to develop detailed vaccination plans. The Master List of Settlements (MLoS), regularly updated through digital tracking, serves as a comprehensive guide for teams in the field. This detailed approach has proven instrumental in increasing vaccination coverage in previously underserved areas, as seen in the 89% overall coverage rate achieved during the 2023 campaign, which targeted 4,861 settlements.
5. An Expandable Model for other Public Health Campaigns
The success of eHealth Africa’s GIS technology in Nigeria is proof that digital innovations can effectively address a wide range of other public health challenges. The systems, data infrastructure, and training models developed for polio eradication are not only efficient but also highly adaptable and can be applied to combat other diseases and public health emergencies.
The successful deployment of GIS technology by eHealth Africa in Nigeria is evidence that digital innovations can help in the solution of many other public health problems. The systems, data infrastructure, and training models developed for the polio eradication program are not only effective but also flexible enough to be used for other diseases and public health threats.
Through continued investment in these technologies, Nigeria is not only positioned to become polio-free but also to build a more robust and resilient healthcare system that will benefit generations to come.
Polio is a viral disease that spreads primarily through contaminated water and food, attacking the nervous system and leading to paralysis or even death. For decades, African nations faced persistent outbreaks due to limited healthcare infrastructure and access to vaccines, especially in rural areas. This led to the necessity of large-scale vaccination campaigns across the continent.
Global initiatives such as the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) have made significant progress in reducing the incidence of polio. In Africa, mass vaccination programs have been critical in interrupting transmission and protecting millions of children from this devastating disease. However, despite eliminating wild poliovirus, Africa, particularly northern Nigeria, now faces a new challenge: a circulating variant of the poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2).
This variant emerges when the weakened virus in the oral polio vaccine (OPV) mutates and spreads in under-immunized communities. The virus circulates in areas with low vaccination coverage, putting children who have not been immunized at risk. This is why the ongoing Outbreak Response 3 (OBR3) is so vital to ensure that the spread of cVPV2 is interrupted before it does further damage.
Recently, I joined the eHealth Africa team on the ground during the OBR3 campaign in Kano State. After the symbolic flag-off of the campaign by the Executive Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf, alongside key figures such as Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo who doubles as the chairman of the state task force on routine immunization and polio, and representatives from international and indigenous organizations like UNICEF, WHO, SOLINA, AFENET, Chigari, and Sultan Foundation and eHealth Africa, the mass vaccination campaign spread across eighteen local government areas in the state. This campaign brought me face-to-face with the realities of the fight against polio, as I had the chance to meet the unsung heroes behind the effort—vaccinators, recorders, trackers, healthcare workers, special teams community leaders and their supervisors, led by the ward focal persons—working tirelessly to protect the future of our children. I spoke with Muiaina Taiwo Abbas, eHealth Africa’s Local Government Coordinator for Fagge Local Government Area, who manages the tracking team. Muiaina oversees three take-off points where he briefs his team each morning before distributing tracking devices for the day’s work. He described the team’s daily routine: “When the team sets out, they go house-to-house, asking all necessary questions while inputting responses into the recorder. The tracking device works automatically after I switch it on at the take-off point.” According to Muiaina, the team records non-compliance cases, like when mothers refuse to let their children be vaccinated due to cultural or religious reasons, and meets each evening to discuss challenges and solutions. “At the end of every campaign day, we come back to the take-off point, talk about the issues we encountered, and plan on how to address them the next day,” he added.
We also met with Bashir Aliyu, eHealth Africa’s Kano State coordinator, who is responsible for deploying tracking teams, compiling daily reports, and addressing larger challenges. According to Bashir, “The importance of the Geospatial Tracking System (GTS) using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology cannot be overstated. This technology, deployed by eHealth Africa, ensures that no child is missed in the vaccination drive.” This approach allows the team to track every household and ensure full coverage, a game-changing tool in the fight against polio.
During the fieldwork, I also had the privilege of meeting some of the older vaccinators—women in their sixties who have seen firsthand the effects of polio in their communities. Their dedication is fueled by the pain they have witnessed, as they’ve watched children grow up with lifelong paralysis, unable to live full and meaningful lives. Their stories were heart-wrenching, and their motivation to prevent other families from experiencing such loss was evident in every word they spoke.
Comfort Audu, eHealth Africa’s Project Manager, was also out in the field, working with teams to resolve cases of non-compliance. She shared valuable insights into the importance of communication in overcoming resistance to vaccination. “One of the things I’ve learned from this campaign and others is that effective communication is key,” Comfort explained. “You need to speak their language, and it’s not just about dialect. It’s about helping them see why their children need to be vaccinated respectfully and not through coercion and that does the magic.” Her approach to resolving non-compliance demonstrates the power of empathy, understanding, and the importance of community engagement in health initiatives.
Walking alongside these dedicated teams reminded me that the fight against polio is more than just numbers and data; it is about people—parents, children, healthcare workers, and communities—coming together to protect the future. Every conversation, every door knocked on, and every child vaccinated is a step closer to eradicating polio for good.
The commitment from local health workers, supported by organizations like eHealth Africa, continues to make a tangible difference. We are not just battling a virus; we are fighting for a future where no child is left to suffer the effects of polio.
As Comfort Audu said, “We must do everything in our power to ensure that no child is missed. This is a battle we can, and must, win.”
The road ahead may be challenging, but with each successful campaign, we move one step closer to a future where the fear of polio is a distant memory. Let’s continue supporting this vital work, ensuring that we create a healthier and brighter future for all.
Online Donation
Your donation helps us to continue to use the power of technology to make an impact in health systems and provide underserved communities with the tools they need to lead healthier lives.
