Moshood Isah, Author at eHealth Africa

5 Big Lessons from Insights Learning Forum 2025

Posted on August 14, 2025August 15, 2025 by Moshood Isah

In 2024, the digital health industry attracted $10.1 billion in venture capital funding, a slight dip from $10.8 billion in 2023, yet still above the total raised in 2019. According to Rock Health’s latest Digital Health Funding Report, startups secured $1.8 billion in venture funding across 118 deals in Q4 2024 alone.

Yet behind these big numbers lie smaller, more urgent stories like local clinics still running on paper, communities without reliable internet, and health workers who have never touched a digital dashboard. In many places, digital solutions remain dependent on external funding, raising hard questions about how long they can last.

These realities and more shaped the discussions at the just-concluded Insights Learning Forum (ILF), where industry leaders, government officials, private sector stakeholders, and innovators gathered to discuss these challenges. From the robust conversations, here are my Top 5 Lessons from ILF 2025:

1- Local Investment in Digital Health is Key to Sustainable Health Outcomes

*Ota Akhigbe giving an opening remark during ILF 2025*

ILF put a spotlight on a critical challenge: the over-dependence on external funding for digital health interventions. In Nigeria, for example, up to 70% of digital health funding comes from external sources, while sustainable local funding streams remain scarce. This gap often leads to fragmented care, underutilized platforms, and persistent challenges in addressing local public health needs.

Ota Akhigbe, Director of Partnerships and Programs at eHealth Africa, framed the issue clearly: “Transformation does not begin with flashy tools or external funding but with local commitment and communities choosing to own their health future and backing that choice with investment.”

She stressed that investment is not just financial; it also means leadership, trust, and long-term commitment. Her call to action was clear: governments must integrate digital health into annual plans and budgets, adding: “Digital health is no longer a theory; it’s happening now”, she noted. We have platforms tracking vaccine delivery, flagging outbreaks, linking clinics to specialists, and delivering test results. The time has come to ensure these systems last.”

2- Digital Solutions Must Match Local Realities and National Priorities

A recurring message from ILF was that digital health initiatives often fail to endure because they are not designed for the communities we serve. Without alignment to local contexts and national strategies, even well-funded projects risk becoming irrelevant.

Mories Atoki, CEO of African Business Coalition (ABC) Health, urged a shift in approach: “Let’s talk about what we want. Let’s speak up. Let’s help the public and private sectors understand how to work together. Let’s support innovation and knowledge sharing. We must collaborate more and align stakeholders with national priorities.” The forum reinforced the need to scale digital solutions responsibly and in alignment with community needs.

3- Collaboration : Teamwork Makes the Health Work

ILF’s journey from a modest monthly webinar to a flagship industry event demonstrates the power of partnership. As Atef Fawaz, Executive Director of eHealth Africa, noted: “ILF began as a simple webinar, and today, it’s grown through the strong commitment of our partners. We look forward to even greater collaboration aligned with government policies and national priorities.”

Dr. Gafar Alawode, CEO of Development Governance International (DGI Consult), echoed this sentiment: “We must adopt a multisectoral approach to digital health—where the government leads and the private sector supports—to build systems that truly serve the people. Digital optimization means delivering the right solution at the right place and time; a goal only possible through strong cross-sector partnerships.”

4 — State Must Rise to Challenge of Health in Fund and Leadership

Sustainable digital health requires more than donor grants, it demands decisive government leadership. Dr. Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq, National Coordinator of the Sector-Wide Coordinating Office-Programme Management Unit (SCO-PMU) for the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), emphasized this point saying, “The government has made digital health a key part of its unified health plan. We also have stakeholders present today who are dedicated to developing country-owned, locally led solutions that leverage innovation in both service delivery and health technology.” He noted that ongoing digital health discussions should build consensus and integrate the many fragmented initiatives currently operating in the country.

5- Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) Need Funding and Reforms

Gaps in sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) persist due to chronic underfunding, policy gaps, and cultural barriers. During a panel on “The Role of Digital Tools and Innovative Financing Models in Expanding Access to Sexual Reproductive Health Rights”, Charles Usie, Country Director at Plan International Nigeria, highlighted the imbalance: “We are dealing with an issue of unequal power. Women and girls do not have the same authority men enjoy. That’s why we have more condoms than sanitary pads because of who makes the decisions.” Panelists urged the government to prioritize tackling maternal mortality, teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence, while also leveraging digital tools to improve access to reproductive health services.

A Call to Action

The Insights Learning Forum 2025 made it clear: sustainable digital health is not about technology alone, it’s about people, policy, and partnerships. From mobilizing local investment to designing context-specific solutions, from strengthening cross-sector collaboration to prioritizing women’s health, the path forward demands shared ownership. As participants agreed, digital health must move beyond pilot projects to become a resilient, integrated, and locally driven system, one that can stand the test of time.

How Digital Networks Are Reshaping Healthcare in Africa

Posted on July 28, 2025July 29, 2025 by Moshood Isah

Abdulhamid Yahaya

The recent and recurring outbreaks of diseases and other public health emergencies have undeniably strained healthcare systems, particularly across Africa. These challenges have not only necessitated thinking beyond traditional approaches but have also prompted the development of innovative pathways to ensure communities are better prepared and less vulnerable to such emergencies.

It is essential to note that digital networks are not only supporting healthcare delivery in Africa, but they are also fundamentally reshaping how public health interventions are conceived, designed, and implemented. It is no surprise that the African digital health market was valued at approximately US$3.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach US$16.6 billion by 2030. Indeed, these are not just figures; they represent real lives and communities being impacted and transformed by digital networks.

Increasing the adoption of digital health tools could lead to at least a 15% improvement in efficiency by 2030. This marks significant progress, even amid ongoing challenges such as digital inequity, limited local investments, and infrastructure gaps. Nevertheless, public health stakeholders continue to play their roles to ensure that even primary healthcare facilities in the remotest locations are being reached by the digital revolution currently reshaping the health sector.

This digital transformation has significantly improved access to healthcare through telemedicine and virtual consultations, reducing the risks associated with long travel distances and delays in reaching healthcare facilities. Beyond improving access, healthcare facilities themselves are receiving substantial boosts, especially in the areas of drug supply, vaccines, and essential goods. For instance, digital solutions like the Logistics Management Information System (LoMIS), deployed by eHealth Africa, have ensured the timely delivery of essential medicines and reduced stockouts. The deployment of this solution for vaccine distribution across over 300 Primary Healthcare facilities in Sokoto State has proven to be a game-changer.

In addition, digital medical records and health dashboards have significantly streamlined data management, enabling more efficient handling of patient information. This allows healthcare professionals to focus more on delivering quality care rather than being burdened by administrative tasks, while also enhancing clinical decision-making through real-time access to accurate data.

The digital health landscape has undeniably evolved into an interconnected web of systems that overcome geographical and socioeconomic barriers. By bringing care closer to underserved populations, it is transforming healthcare access for marginalized communities. A prime example is the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which have been instrumental in mapping and identifying missed or hard-to-reach settlements. Over the years, this technology has played a crucial role in ensuring that children, regardless of location, receive life-saving vaccines, significantly improving immunization coverage in remote areas.

While technology and innovation are well recognized as enablers and indeed, key drivers of growth across sectors, their impact in health can only be sustained if solution developers, partners, and implementers fully understand and engage with local cultural, social, and regulatory contexts. Only then can digital health solutions be tailored to meet ground realities and deliver meaningful, lasting impact.

Over the last three years, eHealth Africa has consistently convened industry experts to drive discussions and chart pathways for digital health, data-driven solutions, and innovations in public health practice. The event, tagged Insights Learning Forum (ILF), has served as a platform for professionals in both the digital and public health sectors to share their experiences, insights, and innovative solutions.

A key takeaway from digital health discussions has been the need to ensure that solutions are community-driven and developed with local realities in mind. This insight informs the theme of the 2025 Insights Learning Forum:
“Local Investments for Connected Communities: The Power of Digital Health Networks in Public Health Transformation.” The third edition of ILF, scheduled for 30th July 2025, will go beyond rhetoric, focusing on implementing strategies to ensure that communities remain at the heart of digital health interventions.

Abdulhamid Yahaya is the Deputy Director, Global Health Informatics at eHealth Africa. He has over 20 years of extensive expertise and experience in Information Technology (IT) operations, IT management, corporate policy and governance, information/cybersecurity, IT project deployment, health informatics, digital health solutions, corporate strategy, and strategic leadership.

Data Accountability – a road map to building Connected Communities

Posted on July 24, 2025July 24, 2025 by Moshood Isah

By Dr. David Akpan

It may interest you to know that the community leaders in our village, the caregiver in a remote hamlet, and the primary healthcare providers serving in our primary healthcare facility are all essential to the success of achieving universal health coverage with digital health at the central connecting point. The same goes for government actors and stakeholders across every level of the public health system making valuable inputs in creating the enabling environment to improve local coordinated efforts to deliver ease to access integrated health care. The possibility lies with building a connected community where everyone is not left behind. This confirms the power of the digital data system.

Remember the days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when healthcare systems across the globe were stretched to their limits? During that period, there was an urgent and coordinated effort to test individuals exposed to the virus, contain its spread, and provide timely care. In Nigeria, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Federal Ministry of Health played pivotal roles, delivering daily updates on the prevalence of the virus across various states. At this moment, communities were connected, enforced and energised to respond to one health need. This confirms that a connected community is possible and the target to achieve UHC relies squarely on this.

We have seen where pilot data-driven innovations significantly informed by the deployment of digital solutions for contact tracing, testing coordination, and public awareness campaigns has significantly connected communities to demanding for health services Critically, the success of these efforts hinged on the mutual cooperation of communities, individuals, patients, and development partners, demonstrating the power of collective action enabled by transparent and accessible data.

We are moving from the days when innovators relied on general assumptions about community needs and expectations based on mere observations of behavior. Today, successful innovation requires in-depth engagement with key stakeholders to gather accurate and timely information. Interestingly, data sharing swings both ways between the underserved communities and development partners.

Before diving into the development of digital health solutions, data provides important insights into trends, patterns, and critical concerns that need to be addressed. Therefore, local investment both in terms of time, financing, and data accountability remains crucial to ensuring that development partners and governments at various levels prioritize meaningful resource allocation. Thus, investing time and resources in gathering meaningful local data lays the foundation for more effective, inclusive, and sustainable digital health solutions.

Beyond the numbers, connecting communities through accurate and timely data stems largely from creating mutual relationships between the communities, its people and information they can make meaning from.

It is however important to mention that while data offer tremendous potential to create value by improving programs and policies, the misuse of it can lead to abuse which can harm citizens. Data is a resource that can be used and reused repeatedly to create more and more value, but the more data is misused, the higher is the risk of misinterpretation.

As mentioned in a 2021 World Bank report, the deployment of data system is growing at an unprecedented rate and is becoming an integral part of daily life for people around the world. However, there are critical questions we must ask: how can millions of people living in extreme poverty and poor health conditions make sense of and connect to this ubiquitous data? More importantly, how can communities understand and harness the use of data to improve their lives? As we pursue these goals, we must also ensure that low- and middle-income countries are not left behind, which would only widen the gap between those who benefit from this new data-driven world and those who do not.

In this vein, the localization and visibility of data increases the likelihood of communities to connect and relate with each other while understanding what binds them together. In order to achieve this, digital literacy gaps must be bridged via direct engagement of community gatekeepers, Community Based Organisations and other stakeholders within the community.

That’s why the 2025 Insights Learning Forum comes at such a critical and opportune moment. With the theme “Local Investment for Connected Communities: The Power of Digital Health Networks in Public Health Transformation,” this year’s Forum will serve as a vibrant platform for dialogue, collaboration, and strategic action. Taking place on July 30, 2025, it will convene policymakers, innovators, development partners, and investors around a shared conviction: Africa’s digital health transformation must be driven by local leadership.

During the forum, which will convene policymakers, innovators, development partners, and investors, I will be moderating a session on investing in health and underserved communities. This powerful panel discussion will provide a platform for multi-sector dialogue on building a thriving, locally driven digital health ecosystem through investment and partnerships.

Building a connected community using accurate and timely data isn’t just about making data-driven decisions but also about fostering engagement and building a digital equitable community. It also goes a long way in enhancing collaborations across various sectors, communities and development partners thereby ensuring faster response to public health emergencies as a result of transparency and trust.

Dr. David Akpan, Deputy Director Programs and Partnership (DDPP) eHealth Africa. Dr. David Akpan is an experienced social epidemiologist and development expert with 18 years of experience in public health programs and development assistance.

Digital Health Needs Local Investment to Thrive

Posted on July 7, 2025July 7, 2025 by Moshood Isah

Ota Akhigbe

It’s exciting to see how digital tools can be tailored to meet the unique health needs of communities across Africa. But this promise will only become reality if these tools are designed to fit the local context, and backed by sustained, long-term investment.

Critically, local investment in digital health goes beyond only financial commitments. It means investing in infrastructure, cultural understanding, and, perhaps most importantly, human capacity. These dimensions are essential to building ownership and, ultimately, ensuring sustainability. Without them, we’ll continue to witness multi-million-dollar digital health projects struggling to meet the needs of underserved populations.

Saadatu Atiku, 30 a house to house mobilizer shows off the GIS tracking app on her phone which she uses to track the areas she has covered in Yabo LGA, Sokoto state
December 10, 2023 — *Saadatu Atiku, 30 a house to house mobilizer shows off the GIS tracking app on her phone which she uses to track the areas she has covered in Yabo LGA, Sokoto state*

Why Digital Solutions Struggle to Scale

Too often, digital health interventions are designed without the direct input of end users, or they’re created for broad global application. This disconnect limits their real-world impact and stifles both scale and sustainability.

In places where infrastructure is weak, digital literacy is low, and cultural dynamics are misunderstood or ignored, even the most sophisticated tools will fall short. Moreover, when local communities lack the financial means, or a seat at the design table, they understandably hesitate to take ownership. That lack of buy-in has consequences; interventions become short-lived, donor-dependent, and disconnected from local priorities.

As someone working at the intersection of health systems and innovation, I’ve seen firsthand how solutions thrive when they are rooted in the lived realities of the people they aim to serve. This is why we must go beyond pilot programs and start investing in the full ecosystem that supports digital health, technical infrastructure, skilled local talent, and policy environments that encourage innovation and accountability.

The Case for Local Investment

In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the success of digital health isn’t simply about access to tools, it’s about the intent and structure of the systems supporting them. When governments, donors, and private actors prioritize local funding and ownership, digital solutions become more relevant, adaptable, and impactful.

Local investment also fuels homegrown innovation. It supports research tailored to real community needs, and it helps bridge the persistent digital divide. When communities have reliable internet, basic infrastructure, and trained personnel, the effects are far-reaching; not only does healthcare improve, but economic opportunities expand and public trust deepens.

Data generated through these investments can also empower governments to make better decisions, designing evidence-based policies that reflect the realities on the ground, not assumptions from afar.

A Timely Call to Action

This is why the 2025 Insights Learning Forum could not be more timely, or more necessary.

Under the theme “Local Investment for Connected Communities: The Power of Digital Health Networks in Public Health Transformation,” this year’s ILF will provide a dynamic platform for collaboration, discussion, and action. Scheduled for July 30, 2025, the Forum will bring together policymakers, innovators, development partners, and investors to align around one core truth: that Africa’s digital health revolution must be locally led.

Since its launch in 2023, ILF has grown into a space where real solutions are shared, strategic partnerships are formed, and bold ideas are transformed into tangible outcomes. This year, it promises to be even more impactful, with case studies, keynotes, and workshops spotlighting how local talent, funding, and infrastructure are already reshaping health systems across the continent.

At eHealth Africa, we believe in solutions that scale, and we know they only do so when local communities lead the way. ILF 2025 is more than just another conference. It’s where vision meets action. We invite all stakeholders, governments, donors, innovators, and community leaders, to join us in shaping a digital health ecosystem that puts local investment at the heart of transformation.

Ota Akhigbe is the Director of Partnerships and Programmes at eHealth Africa. She writes at the intersection of health, equity, and systems innovation. Her weekly BusinessDay column explores practical paths for inclusive development and structural transformation in Africa.

Powering Primary Healthcare Facilities with Renewable Energy Solutions

Posted on June 26, 2025June 26, 2025 by Moshood Isah

Fatima Ayomitide Azeez

Renewable Energy Solution at Daurawa PHC Kano

Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) are the frontline of Nigeria’s healthcare system, especially in rural and underserved areas. Yet, many of these facilities operate in darkness due to erratic power supply, severely compromising patient care, delaying emergencies, and rendering critical equipment useless.

According to a report by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), approximately 40% of PHCs across Nigeria lack reliable electricity access, forcing many to rely on costly and inconsistent alternatives such as generators. This persistent lack of power undermines everything from vaccine storage to safe deliveries, causing health workers to delay procedures, refer patients unnecessarily, or improvise under unsafe conditions. Consequently, communities lose faith in the healthcare system, and health outcomes deteriorate.

Thus in a bid to bridge this infrastructural gap, eHealth Africa with support from United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) launched an ambitious intervention to solarize primary healthcare centers in 12 states across Nigeria.

As a matter of fact, 28 facilities out of the planned 238 PHCs have already been equipped with sustainable renewable energy power systems. This is not just replacing the unreliable alternative sources like fuel-powered generators with clean, consistent energy, it goes a long way in bridging healthcare delivery while protecting the environment.

Speaking during the commissioning of one of the facilities in Kano, Toju Chibuzor Oghele, Project Manager for the Solarization project at eHealth Africa said, “We recognized that consistent power is the absolute backbone of effective primary healthcare,”. “This solarization initiative is a strategic investment in building resilient health systems from the ground up, ensuring that life-saving services are never interrupted by a lack of electricity. It directly translates to tangible improvements in child survival and routine immunization coverage across these communities.” , he added

The renewed spirit is particularly evident among health workers on how critical this intervention is to general healthcare delivery in Primary Healthcare. At Jeli PHC, Kano State, Saleh Haruna, the public health official In-Charge of the facility says he now looks forward to a future that was previously unimaginable. He said, “by the grace of God, with this installation, we can finally go ahead and request equipment upgrade and procurement of some medical equipment that we do not have”.

He added that the PHC hasn’t been able to get facility upgrades over the years but this renewable energy solution has opened doors to providing better healthcare services. “This signifies a leap from basic functionality to aspiring for comprehensive, upgraded care”, he said.

For Ilya Muhammad, a 52-year resident of Jeli, the change is deeply personal. Having witnessed the hospital’s prime and its subsequent decline, he now feels immense relief. “I am just grateful that now we do not need to travel to far away medical facilities to get treated as we always did when emergencies occurred. If any of my family members fall sick now, straight to our neighborhood PHC.” The project has brought essential healthcare back to their doorstep, alleviating a significant burden.

Sani Umar, Assistant In-Charge at Kofa PHC, shares his revitalized outlook. He said, ” with our PHC now solarized, I genuinely look forward to work. No more heat because we have a conducive working environment and our morale is at an all-time high now as we do not need to turn patients away anymore on the basis of lack of power supply.”

These powerful testimonies showcase the tangible improvements in working conditions and the profound relief of being able to serve patients without the previous limitations.

The UNICEF delegation, who conducted an independent assessment of the installations, validated the functionality of the systems while gathering on-the-ground feedback from healthcare workers and communities. This evaluation successfully verified the effectiveness of the renewable energy systems, gauged their real-world impact on healthcare delivery, aligned stakeholders on future phases of the nationwide rollout, while strengthening accountability for both partners and beneficiaries.

The solarization effort is more than just a technical upgrade. It’s a strategic investment in health resilience. Through detailed assessments, tailored installations, and training of local health workers, each renewable energy system is built to serve the specific needs of the facility. While this intervention is still in early stages, its promise is undeniable. Reliable electricity enables vaccine preservation, emergency night services, lab diagnostics, and safer deliveries. It boosts staff morale and rebuilds community trust.

Public Health Stakeholders Endorse eHealth Africa’s Planfeld Platform for Digitizing Micro-Planning

Posted on June 11, 2025June 20, 2025 by Moshood Isah

Moshood Isah

Public health campaigns in Nigeria, particularly immunization efforts, have long been hampered by manual, time-consuming planning processes. Existing traditional methods often yield inaccurate or incomplete data, delayed micro-plans, and inefficient resource allocation, which in turn compromise the reach and quality of vaccination campaigns. In an era where timely, data-driven action is critical, the lack of digital tools for micro-planning severely limits the effectiveness and scalability of public health responses.

eHealth Africa’s Director of Programs and Partnership speaking during the PlanFeld UAT

In a significant step toward digitizing public health planning, key stakeholders across Nigeria’s immunization ecosystem have endorsed PlanFeld, a digital micro-planning tool developed by eHealth Africa. Stakeholders, including key members from the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), Emergency Operations Centers from Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Kebbi states, and key partners in public health spaces, converged in Abuja for a comprehensive User Acceptance Testing of the PlanFeld application.

Through step-by-step hands-on demo sessions, stakeholders experienced firsthand how PlanFeld simplifies and accelerates the development of Daily Implementation Plans (DIPs). They commended the platform for improving data quality, reducing planning time, and enhancing decision-making during vaccination campaigns. Speaking at a recent User Acceptance Testing (UAT) session, some stakeholders from the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), State Primary Healthcare Agencies, and Immunization Officers highlighted how Planfeld is already reshaping field operations.

Incident Manager, National EOC speaking during PlanFeld UAT in Abuja

The deputy Incident Manager of the NEOC reiterated the fact that Microplan remains key to the success of any health campaigns, and it’s important to have a standard database for public health campaigns. He commended eHealth Africa for taking the lead to ensure we have a standard and realistic database and planning system. “eHealth Africa has been the champion for using technology for many years and you are also evolving in trying to see how to use new digital technological innovations to upgrade our plans in the country”, he said

Dr. Abdullahi Musa Garba, Incident Manager at the Kaduna State Emergency Operations Center, emphasized the need to shift from outdated manual planning methods. He said, “As a country, we can’t continue doing things the same way. With Planfeld, a Daily Implementation Plan (DIP) that used to take a week now takes just 30 minutes. It gives us real-time visibility into resources, team movements, and vaccine allocation. This is a significant strategic shift.”

Dr. Garba noted that digital tools like Planfeld will help reduce vaccine wastage and enable real-time supervision of vaccination teams. The ability to track where and when a team is expected in a settlement adds accountability and boosts campaign efficiency. He called on Stakeholders to work together to move from traditional methods to digital tools that deliver faster, higher-quality outcomes.

Niger State Immunization Officer, Usman Abubakar Kpantu, described the tool as a game-changer. He said, “The platform is very user-friendly. Within minutes, we can generate a comprehensive micro-plan. Before now, this would have taken days. This saves us time and allows for more accurate targeting.”

He added that Planfeld should be scaled to the local government level, especially for use by frontline implementers like Ward Focal Persons and Local Immunization Officers (LIOs).

Adding his voice, Kebbi State Immunization Officer, Abubakar Kaoje, noted that the PlanFeld application gives public health workers greater clarity and control when developing microplans for vaccination campaigns. He emphasized its usefulness in addressing high-risk and hard-to-reach areas.

“We now have a clearer picture of security-compromised areas and can proactively plan for them. During the training, we even mapped out high-risk settlements. That’s progress,” he said.

He stressed the importance of hands-on training and recommended that national and state teams collaborate more closely during implementation to ensure standardization and support.

Planfeld’s success in pilot states like Kebbi has already set the stage for broader deployment. Stakeholders expressed optimism that, with proper rollout and continuous training, Planfeld could support routine immunization efforts, campaign planning, and broader public health initiatives. As the global health community increasingly recognizes the importance of data-driven decision-making, platforms like Planfeld may become essential infrastructure for national immunization programs.

No Missed Child, No Rejection of Vaccines”: A Traditional Leader’s Voice in Vaccine Advocacy

Posted on May 20, 2025May 21, 2025 by Moshood Isah

*eHealth Africa meets traditional leader in Gwandu, Kebbi state*

By Joyce Shinyi

“I once told vaccinators that if you find even one household that refuses vaccines in this community, I will give you $200. They went around and found none.”
– Alhaji Sani Umar Jabdi, District Head of Gagi and Sarkin Yakin Gagi, Sokoto State

In Gagi, a rural community in Sokoto State, Northern Nigeria, the fight against Circulating Variant Poliovirus and other vaccine-preventable diseases is being led not just from Primary Healthcare facilities, but also from the palaces of traditional leaders across the region.

Alhaji Sani Umar Jabdi is one of such leaders. Beyond settling community disputes, he has become a powerful advocate for immunization, championing vaccines as a means of protecting every child in his domain.

His commitment is part of the Engaging Traditional Institutions (ETI) project by eHealth Africa (eHA), in collaboration with the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development, Chigari Foundation, and other key partners. The intervention has strengthened advocacy by traditional leaders, increased community ownership of polio eradication efforts, and reduced vaccine hesitancy in high-risk Northern states.

“I am a community gatekeeper,” Alhaji Umar Jabdi said. “My role is to bridge the gap between the community and service providers, the community and the government, between the community and development partners. This time, immunization is the top priority.”

“I ensure we reach out to every eligible child, no missed child, no rejections, and ensure we reach 100% coverage in immunization.”

In a bid to build visible trust through their leadership, Umar Jabdi and other district heads publicly immunize their children during campaign flag-offs. This method has been modeled by even the highest level of traditional leadership, like the Sultan of Sokoto. Following the Sultan’s lead, all 87 district heads in Sokoto did the same.

According to Alhaji Umar, “The Sultan loves all our children, he believes in vaccines, he is 100% sure that it protects from paralysis and deadly diseases, and we trust him 100%, so when he brings his child forward, we follow.”

Just like other communities, this strategy has paid off in Gagi. Vaccine acceptance is high! Community members trust the process because their leaders are part of it. “I once told evaluators that if you find even one household that refuses vaccines in this community, I will give you $200. They went around and found none.” Umar Jabdi boasted.

Through Engaging Traditional Institutions, traditional leaders like him are not only using their influence to improve vaccine uptake and support stronger community health systems, but are also receiving continuous technical support. “Under the Engaging Traditional Institutions intervention led by the Sultan Foundation (with support from eHealth Africa), we are mentored, coached, and trained regularly,” he says. “They visit palace by palace to guide us, correct us, and strengthen our ability to promote vaccination the right way.”

The visible results are hard to ignore. “This is the cold season, but we’ve not seen a whooping cough, we no longer see measles in our community. Routine immunization is working, and children are safe.” he says.

He calls for more support from other stakeholders to further boost success. “If more partners can support this engagement, we can expand outreach. We can engage more religious leaders, more women, town halls, traditional media, and even social media. There are rumors online that we need help countering.”

He also believes the model should expand to other traditional rulers who have not yet received the same capacity building. “Many of my colleagues are intelligent and capable, they just need the training and the opportunity. If we are empowered, we can protect our people better.”

Above all, he insists that community ownership is key. “If you come to our health facility today, you will see the evidence: zero home deliveries, children with immunization cards. The people are involved because they trust us.”

“We are doing this,” he says firmly, “and we will continue doing it until we die. No paralyzed child, no disease that could have been prevented.”

The Engaging Traditional Institutions intervention is positioning traditional rulers not just as custodians of culture, but as protectors of health. By building on existing trust, it is laying the foundation for stronger, more resilient health systems across underserved communities. For eHealth Africa, this kind of transformation is the goal of the Engaging Traditional Institutions project, using trusted traditional institutions to drive change in underserved communities.

BISKIT: Bridging the Gap in Blood Information Management System

Posted on May 8, 2025May 8, 2025 by Moshood Isah

By – Fatima Abdulaziz Ayomitide

The persistent and critical blood shortage in Nigerian hospitals, as revealed by the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA) in December 2024, shows that Nigeria can only meet less than 30% of its blood transfusion needs. This severe deficit creates a life-threatening situation for patients and strains hospital resources, particularly during emergencies. The World Health Organization has also estimated that 1.5 million units of blood are needed annually to meet healthcare demands, yet only about 500,000 units are collected each year. This shortfall of nearly 67% has serious implications for patient care. Emergency cases often depend on last-minute donations, and in some instances, the available stock is either insufficient or compromised due to poor storage practices.

Underlying this crisis is a deeper issue of uncertainty. Donors, even those who regularly volunteer, are often left questioning where their blood goes, who it helps, and whether it makes the intended impact. This lack of transparency discourages participation, especially among first-time donors.

Evidence suggests that potential blood donors in African countries are more inclined to donate when they have a clearer understanding of how their contributions are utilized. Recognizing this desire for transparency and impact, a team of researchers and technologists began exploring how digital tools could build trust and improve the efficiency of the blood donation system.

Among them is Mohammed-Faosy Adeniran, the Project Manager for BISKIT, short for The Blood Information System for Crisis Intervention and Management (BISKIT), a mobile-based platform developed by eHealth Africa to address some of these critical gaps. “We realized the problem wasn’t a lack of willingness to donate but a disconnect between that willingness and actual blood requests. There were willing donors on one end, and urgent needs on the other, but no real-time system to link them.”

According to him, eHealth Africa is currently piloting the use of BISKIT at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano state. This is in a bid to standardize the digitization of blood information and management systems. During this implementation, the application allows users, donors, health workers, hospitals, and blood banks to manage and track blood donations from start to finish. Built with offline and mobile capabilities, BISKIT can function even in areas with limited internet access, ensuring wider reach and usability.

Halima Kabir Abdulkadir, a Research Assistant whose role involves performing cross-matching for patients, emphasized the complexity of managing donor and recipient data. “It contains a lot of information from the donors to the recipients. Having everything tracked in one system helps reduce errors and makes the process more efficient.”

For instance, when a health worker submits a request, nearby donors registered on the app are notified immediately. Through this direct and efficient channel, response times are reduced significantly.

Beyond logistics, the app also focuses on building trust. For donors, BISKIT offers a more transparent experience. They receive updates about their donations, pre-book appointments, and are guided through the donation process especially helpful for newcomers. “People just want to know their effort counts,” said Faosy. “The feedback we’ve received shows that donors are more encouraged to return when they can see the impact of their contribution.”

He added that the BISKIT application seeks to tackle structural issues like blood wastage. By integrating Geographic Information Systems and barcode tracking, BISKIT makes it easier to monitor the location and condition of blood bags, helping prevent mishandling or loss.

While still in its early stages of rollout, the platform has already shown promise. In pilot locations like Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano state, health workers report faster donor mobilization and fewer delays in emergency response.

Ultimately, BISKIT presents a compelling case for how technology can bridge gaps in public health systems, especially in contexts where trust, efficiency, and transparency are critical. Whether this model can scale across the country or even regionally remains to be seen. But for now, the app offers a practical solution to an urgent problem and a hopeful shift toward a more connected and accountable blood donation ecosystem.

Fatimah Azeez-Ayodele Ayomitide is a communications intern at eHealth Africa

How Free Medication from eHealth Africa Transformed Hafsat’s Life

Posted on May 1, 2025May 6, 2025 by Moshood Isah

By Moshood Isah

In Kano, Nigeria—where healthcare resources are often limited—Hafsat’s story stands as a powerful testament to hope and transformation, made possible through the free medication initiative under eHealth Africa’s ‘Digitizing for Impact: Improving Rural Access to Integrated Services for NCDs in Nigeria (DIIAN)’ intervention.

Struggling with hypertension and an ulcer for years, Hafsat’s health journey was full of frustration and uncertainty. Yet, after discovering the EHA REACH Clinic, a key partner in the DIIAN intervention offering free, targeted care, her life took a turn for the better.

*How Free Medication from the DIIAN Transformed Hafsat’s Life*

Hafsat had long battled high blood pressure, a condition that made daily life difficult. Along with the hypertension, she also suffered from an ulcer. Her first response was to visit multiple hospitals in search of relief. “I visited four hospitals in the community,” she recalled. “But the doctors would just tell me to avoid salty foods and prescribe medication, which didn’t seem to help much.” Despite these efforts, her condition continued to worsen, and the burden of managing her health became overwhelming.

Hafsat eventually sought alternative treatment at other hospitals, hoping for a clearer diagnosis and solution. However, her visits were met with confusion. “They told me my condition wasn’t clear, and I was referred to other hospitals. It felt like I was running in circles. Nothing seemed to work.”

In the midst of these frustrating experiences, Hafsat learned about the REACH Clinic, a local healthcare facility that was part of the DIIAN project and provided free medication for patients with chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. “I live close to the clinic, so I knew about it. When I found out they were offering free medication, I decided to give it a try,” Hafsat explained.

The change was immediate. Upon her first visit to the REACH Clinic, Hafsat was welcomed by a team of professionals who immediately began managing her hypertension with the right medication. “The difference was so clear. At other hospitals, I was often told they didn’t have the medication I needed or I would get prescriptions that didn’t seem to work. But at the REACH Clinic, they gave me the proper treatment,” Hafsat said, her voice filled with relief.

Over time, Hafsat’s health improved significantly. The swelling in her body, a common symptom of her hypertension, began to subside. “The swelling stopped, and I felt much better,” she recalled. “Before, I was taking medicine that wasn’t effective, but the medication I received here really worked.”

For Hafsat, the experience of receiving free, reliable care has not only alleviated her physical symptoms but also restored her sense of hope. “Now, when I run out of medication, I don’t worry. I know I can come back and get more,” she said, smiling.

The impact of the DIIAN project, and particularly the REACH Clinic’s provision of free medication, has been profound for Hafsat. “I want others to know that they don’t have to suffer the way I did. I used to feel hopeless, but now I am doing well. I encourage anyone who has high blood pressure or diabetes to get treatment, it makes all the difference,” she urged.

Looking forward, Hafsat’s outlook on life has been transformed. “I may not have any major ambitions right now, but I just want to stay healthy and continue receiving the care that has helped me so much. I am grateful for everything the REACH Clinic has done for me,” she concluded.

For Hafsat, the free medication provided through the DIIAN project has been life-changing, offering her a new sense of wellbeing and hope. Her story highlights the crucial role of accessible healthcare in improving the lives of vulnerable individuals and underscores the importance of initiatives that support those in need.

New Era for Zimbabwe Polio Lab After Biggest Upgrade in 20 Years

Posted on April 29, 2025April 29, 2025 by Moshood Isah

Moshood Isah

“This is the biggest transformation I have witnessed in the Polio laboratory, University of Zimbabwe, since I started working here over 2 decades ago”, these are the words of Professor Rooyen Mavenyengwa, Director of Zimbabwe Polio Laboratory as he expresses excitement about the recent upgrade of the Lab.

For five years, Professor Mavenyengwa has served as the Director of Zimbabwe Polio Laboratory, where he leads surveillance work on viral vaccine-preventable diseases like Polio, Rubella, Measles, and Rotavirus. But his journey in public health stretches back over two decades. As a scientist, educator, and principal investigator, Professor Mavenyengwa wears many hats but none more proudly than the one guiding Zimbabwe’s Lab into a new era.

“Before the upgrade, our challenges were multitude,” he recalls. “Our equipment, internet, fire alarm system, needed an urgent upgrade. In some instances we even lacked basic safety features like eyewash stations. It was not just inconvenient—it was unsafe.”

These challenges changed drastically, thanks to the comprehensive Lab modernization by World Health Organisation (WHO AFRO) and eHealth Africa with funding from Gates Foundation. The lab upgrade features new infrastructure, modern Information Communications Technology (ICT) systems, enhanced safety measures, and even state-of-the-art restrooms now define a space that was once struggling to keep pace with the demands of new global health surveillance trends.

Beyond aesthetics, the upgrade is about saving lives due to its new capacity for laboratory diagnosis of sewage samples for environmental surveillance (ES) in addition to the Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) testing which was already done. Environmental surveillance is a key method in detecting polio in wastewater before it spreads to humans. Zimbabwe was the last country in the WHO Afro Regional network of 16 Labs to implement this technique—but not anymore.

“For years, we had to send our environmental samples to South Africa. Now, we can test them right here, saving both time and money, and building our own local expertise,” he shares proudly.

With the evolution extending to genomic sequencing, Zimbabwe is now one of only nine countries piloting this initiative, allowing scientists to track and understand viral mutations in real time. “It’s a major leap for our scientific capabilities,” says Professor Mavenyengwa. “We’re not just participating, we’re leading.”

Beyond diagnostics, the upgraded Lab has become a center for training and capacity building. Undergraduate students now rotate through the Lab for hands-on experience, while postgraduate researchers make up over half the Lab staff. A new conference facility allows for in-house training, attracting experts from across and beyond the region and creating a ripple effect of scientific knowledge.

Professor Mavenyengwa believes this shift holds lasting promise. “The future is very bright,” he says. “Our data already informs national immunization policies, like the rollout of the nOPV2 vaccine. With stronger systems and better-trained personnel, Zimbabwe can make an even greater contribution to global polio eradication.”

For someone who has spent 23 years in academia and public health, this isn’t just about milestones, it’s personal. “We’ve waited a long time for this,” he reflects. “Now that we have it, we’re going to use it to the fullest, to protect our children, to protect our future.”

Speaking during the commissioning of the Polio laboratory in Zimbabwe, Dr Desta A. Tiruneh, World Health Organization Country Representative lauded the initiative stating that the launch of this laboratory is not only a significant advancement in Zimbabwe’s health infrastructure but also a vital move toward protecting the health and well-being of children throughout Africa. He said, “The fact that the Polio Lab belongs to a network of 16 other polio Labs in Africa also entails that Zimbabwe could also be called upon to support other Labs if the need arises. This advancement will increase the quality and timeliness of poliovirus detection not only in Zimbabwe but in Africa as a whole.”

Similarly, Deputy Director, Partnerships and Programs at eHealth Africa, Dr. David Akpan highlighted the significance of this impactful intervention to eHealth Africa’s mission of strengthening health systems across Africa. According to David, eHealth Africa team is excited that, “Beyond supporting prevention and swift response to health emergencies, the laboratory will also serve as a valuable resource for research and training for researchers in genomic sequencing and public health interventions”

In his own remark, Head of Zimbabwe Polio laboratory, Prof Rooyen Mavenyengwa expressed gratitude for the partnership, stating, “This is the biggest transformation we have seen in this laboratory since 2003. We deeply appreciate this collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, University of Zimbabwe, eHealth Africa, WHO AFRO, and the Gates Foundation. The enhancement of our National Virology Laboratory is a game-changer for Zimbabwe, allowing us to improve disease surveillance, strengthen response mechanisms, and build local expertise in genomic sequencing.“

In a world where laboratories are often hidden behind microscopes and machines, Professor Mavenyengwa’s story reminds us that behind every virus tracked and every outbreak prevented, a child’s life saved, there are passionate people pushing boundaries and quietly transforming systems, one upgrade at a time.