Author: Moshood Isah

Advancing Public Health: Niger State Set to Inaugurate State-of-the-Art Emergency Operations Center

Posted on by Moshood Isah

by Favour Oriaku

Following the successful commissioning of the Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) in Kebbi and Zamfara states earlier this year, the spotlight now shines on Niger State as they prepare to inaugurate their own EOC, marking the 11th such facility constructed and overseen by eHealth Africa across Nigeria. 

 The inclusion of Niger State in this initiative can be traced to the state being one of the critical regions in Nigeria’s fight against the circulating variant of the polio virus and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Aligned with the objectives of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) and its partners, this new EOC aims to enhance coordination and response strategies for Niger State.

Upon its completion, health stakeholders anticipate a state-of-the-art infrastructure that will streamline the planning and execution of public health interventions in Niger State. Through data-driven decision-making processes, the EOC promises to yield improved outcomes, benefiting not only the citizens of Niger State but also its neighboring regions.

During a recent site inspection, discussions with key figures including Eyitayo Samuel, the supervisory site manager, Dr. Abdullahi Usman Imam, Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Ministry of Public Health Care (NSMPHC), and Dr. Samuel Jiya, Director of Disease Control and Immunization at NSMPHC, shed light on the construction progress, and future collaboration prospects.

Eyitayo Samuel, the supervisory site manager, shared insights into the construction progress, affirming the dedication to quality and functionality. He stated, “The progress of the work reflects meticulous planning and execution, indicating a facility that is poised to meet its objectives effectively.“

Dr. Abdullahi Usman Imam commended the meticulous planning evident in the design phase of the EOC, foreseeing its potential to significantly enhance primary healthcare services in Niger State. He affirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining the facility at world-class standards, allocating resources for its upkeep and even planning to establish a Data Center to complement its activities. Dr. Abdullahi Usman Imam remarked, “Looking at the progress of the work, it is obvious that a lot of planning has gone into the design phase, as It is already looking like a world class facility that would serve the purpose for which it is being built thereby making very significant impact on Primary Health care services in Niger state.”

He further stated, “The government of Niger state will ensure that a budget is set aside to ensure that the facility is maintained to world class standard. The government of Niger state has already set aside in its budget for this year to establish a Data center, this will complement the activities of the EOC.“

Dr. Samuel Jiya emphasized the EOC’s role in fortifying the state’s immunization campaigns, likening them to strategic warfare where planning and execution are paramount. With the EOC as the central hub for coordination, he expressed confidence in the state’s ability to combat prevailing diseases effectively. Dr. Samuel Jiya stated, “The campaigns are like a war situation whereby a lot of planning and strategizing goes into play, and this EOC as well equipped would be the hub of that planning and strategizing, ensuring that we efficiently fight the existing variant of polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases, and kick them out of the state.”

The construction and management of the Niger State EOC by eHealth Africa, with support from The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Aliko Dangote Foundation, exemplify the potential for impactful achievements when communities, leaders, and partners unite for public health initiatives.

OutREACH: eHealth Africa, Clinic Collaborate to Tackle Non-Communicable Diseases

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by Moshood Isah

Hypertension is a major public health problem in Nigeria, with prevalence of 37.5%. This means that nearly 4 out of 10 Nigerian adults have hypertension. Similarly the prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide, and Nigeria is no exception; an estimated 7% of adults in Nigeria have diabetes, making it among the most common cardiovascular diseases in the country.

Unfortunately,  lack of access to quality and affordable hypertension and diabetes services in rural communities and primary health care is a major concern. This is largely due to  disparity in access to quality healthcare, especially between rural and urban areas in Nigeria as a result of  economic, social, geographic, and health workforce factors. For instance, the secondary health facilities where the few drugs are, with the facility for testing and the medical professionals are far from the rural communities, making access difficult. This is exacerbated by the high cost of medications, making it difficult for some clients to afford the treatment they need, resulting in low treatment outcomes.

Thus, adapting and digitizing  the World Health Organisation Package of Essential Noncommunicable (PEN) disease interventions for primary health care, eHealth Africa is collaborating with the EHA Clinic Reaching Everyone with Accessible Community Healthcare (REACH) program to reach out to marginalized communities with healthcare interventions. This, according to the Project Manager Lucy Okoye, is aimed at improving access to quality care and affordable services for persons with hypertension and diabetes and others at risk. 

She said, “Social mobilization activities will increase rural communities’ knowledge of hypertension and diabetes”, saying  the identification of risk factors and the signs of hypertension and diabetes will likely result in the adoption of a preventive healthy lifestyle and prompt seeking of treatment. Another potential impact of the intervention according to her is to reduce the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes and improve the health and well-being of the target communities, helping people to live longer and lead healthier lives. 

In February, eHealth Africa supported the free medical outreach conducted in the Kuje community of the Federal Capital Territory and Gyadi-Gyadi community of Kano state. According to Adawiya, Mahmud Ila, Product and Quality Assurance Coordinator at the EHA REACH clinic said the outreach is an opportunity to reach the people accessible and  to provide free healthcare within the community. 

“We are having an outreach where we see hypertension and diabetic patients,we measure the blood pressure and fasten blood sugar.”  If there is a need for us to give hypertensive and glycine medication we give them which is going to be free for 6 months”, she said.

She said, the economic realities in developing countries like Nigeria limits citizens especially the older generation from accessing good medical care.  She said, “You know how the economy is in Nigeria; economically it’s hard for them to go to the hospital so we are just trying to make an impact in the community”.

Speaking on community acceptance and mobilization strategy for the outreach, Adawiya said, the partners leveraged on its Community Health Extension Workers (CHEW) to discuss the impact of the intervention  with traditional leaders and community influencers. 

Community Feedback

Zainab Abdullahi is  a resident of Kasuwan Dare area of Gyadi-Gyadi community of Kano state. She heard of the REACH Clinic Outreach through community influencers. “Now they checked our BP,Blood sugar level and from here we will proceed to see the doctor”, she said. 

Zainab lauded the outreach initiative saying the community is receptive to ideas like this. “the hospital environment is clean and welcoming and this is why you can see close to 100 people coming for this outreach”.  “If they can spread their tentacles and establish  this kind of hospital in all areas, we will be happy so that everyone will visit the nearest hospital rather than going far from home to access healthcare”, she said.  There is also a need to have additional doctors to attend to a growing number of patients in a bid to reduce waiting time, she said.

Ahmed Salisu Musa has spent 45 years in the community.  He expressed his excitement saying the outreach has brought good healthcare delivery to his doorstep. “They took my blood samples, gave me some medications and I was told, I am not diabetic”, he said

He said, “as a community leader myself, I am glad to  have witnessed what is happening and will pull  in more people to come and get checked.” Musa called for increased mobilization of citizens and more importantly expansion of the intervention to reach other communities.

Empowering Nigeria’s Healthcare System with EMID App Training

Posted on by Moshood Isah

by Favour Oriaku

Since March 2022, eHealth Africa (eHA) has been instrumental in enhancing the capabilities of the Electronic Management of Immunization Data (EMID) System in Nigeria. This project, funded by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), is in partnership with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA). The goal is to streamline immunization data management at Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) across the country, improving vaccination scheduling, real-time data entry, and the overall process of data collation, analysis, and validation.

Dayo Akinleye, a technical Project Manager at eHealth Africa and a member of the EMID project implementation team, shared insights on the progress  made. “The EMID app has been optimized significantly ,” he said. “We’ve introduced several new features, such as the integration of a dedicated Routine Immunization (RI) module, liveness detection, geo-fencing, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), real-time help desk support, and overall enhancements to the app’s user-friendliness.“

Following these improvements, eHealth Africa and NPHCDA, with support from Data-Fi, initiated a comprehensive training for health workers across Nigeria’s 36 states, 774 local government areas, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The series of trainings, recently conducted in several states including Kogi, Nassarawa, and Ebonyi states, were meant  to familiarize healthcare professionals with the updated EMID native app.

James Gambo, a Data Processing Officer with NPHCDA and a member of the training team, emphasized the app’s evolution and the significance of the training. “Originally designed for COVID-19 vaccination data, the EMID app now includes a module for routine immunization. It eliminates paper-based records, allowing immediate data access at the NPHCDA headquarters. We’re conducting nation-wide training to ensure all users are proficient with the app,” he explained. The training strategy involves National Training of Trainers (NTOT), who go on to lead the training at the State level. The State Training of  Trainers (STOT) comprises LGA EMID Focal persons and the State EMID teams. After the STOT, the LGA EMID Focal Persons  then go on to train the recorders at the LGA levels with oversight from both eHealth Africa and NPHCDA/State teams. The hands-on training has received positive feedback, and we’ve observed participants adeptly navigating the app during the training.

Christopher Nwodom, the Ebonyi State Immunization Officer (SIO), also shared his thoughts. “The EMID native app has revolutionized immunization data collection. It’s not just about moving away from paper; it’s also about ensuring data accuracy. This training will undoubtedly enhance the skills of EMID focal persons in recording and uploading data in real time,” he remarked.

Nwonu Victor Onyedikachi, an EMID recorder who underwent the training, expressed his enthusiasm for the new app. “I find the new EMID native app incredibly user-friendly, efficient, and responsive. The added features have made my experience even more enjoyable,” he stated.

Once the training phase is completed, an official launch and deployment date for the new EMID native app will be announced. This marks a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts of GAVI, NPHCDA, and eHealth Africa to enhance health data collection, recording, synchronization, and storage in Nigeria.

Celebrating the Handovers of EOCs in Zamfara and Kebbi States

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by Favour Oriaku

In the ongoing battle to eradicate the polio type 2 virus, Kebbi and Zamfara states, alongside six others – Borno, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, Sokoto, and Yobe – have been identified as critical regions in Nigeria’s fight against this debilitating disease. These states, collectively referred to as the Axis of Intractable Transmission (AIT), face unique challenges due to areas that are difficult for vaccination teams to access. To bolster the efforts of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) and its partners, the establishment of additional Polio Emergency Operation Centers in Kebbi and Zamfara States became essential. This strategic move aims to accelerate the journey towards the complete eradication of polio in Nigeria and the wider African continent.

January 2024 marked a pivotal period in Nigeria’s public health sector with the official handovers of Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) in both Zamfara and Kebbi States. Held on the 29th and 31st of January respectively, these events signified major advancements in healthcare systems in these regions.

Zamfara State’s EOC Handover

The transfer of the EOC to the state government in Zamfara on January 29th was a celebration of partnership, progress, and a vision for a healthier future. The day included visits to Governor Dauda Lawal and HRH Alh. Ibrahim Muhammad Bello Sarkin Katsinan Gusau, the Emir of Gusau, followed by the official handover ceremony.

This event saw participation from state officials, traditional leaders, and representatives from various organizations. Dr. Muyi Aina, the Executive Director of NPHCDA, stressed the governor’s vital role in upkeeping the EOC. In response, Governor Lawal expressed, “I am deeply grateful to all our partners and pledge to ensure the EOC’s effective management for the benefit of Zamfara’s residents.“

Kebbi State’s EOC Handover

Kazeem Balogun, Senior Programs Manager, and Abubakar Shehu, Programs Manager at eHealth Africa, during the courtesy visit to the palace of Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, the Emir of Argungu.

On January 31st, Kebbi State echoed this progress with its EOC handover in Birnin Kebbi. The day began with a visit to the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera. The Emir, emphasizing his commitment to health, said, “80% of the conversation we have around the palace is geared towards health and wellbeing, as I have been a health practitioner for a very long time.” He also facilitated a tour of the Argungu war museum for the delegation.

The handover ceremony was attended by state health officials and representatives from supporting organizations. Governor Dr. Nasir Idris, represented by Alhaji Safiyanu Garba Bena, Head of Service, received the EOC keys and new trucks donated by Unicef. Relaying the governor’s message, Bena stated, “We deeply appreciate our partners’ efforts in supporting Kebbi’s health and wellbeing. We assure you of our commitment to not only using this facility effectively but also ensuring its proper maintenance.”

Muyi Aina, handing over the facility, emphasized the need for collaboration. “For this to work, there needs to be a conscious effort towards the judicious use of the facility,” he advised. He also called for the swift appointment of an Incident Manager to manage the EOC.

A Testament to Partnership and Progress

The establishment of EOCs in Zamfara and Kebbi, built and managed by eHealth Africa with support from The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation symbolizes a renewed commitment to public health. The handover represents more than just new buildings; they are a collective resolve to improve healthcare in both states. Additionally, the events were utilized to hand over maps derived from micro planning and tracking by eHealth Africa. These maps are intended for the state’s use in health and other social development planning, providing valuable resources for more effective and targeted initiatives.

As these EOCs commence operations, they stand as testaments to the power of partnership and dedication to improving health outcomes. The handovers in Zamfara and Kebbi are vivid examples of the remarkable achievements possible when communities, leaders, and partners unite for public health.

Optimised EMID Mobile App Aids Immunization Data Collection, Storage in Kogi

Posted on by Moshood Isah

By Tijesu Ojumu

In March 2021, Nigeria rolled out a COVID-19 Vaccine national campaign. Just as with every other campaign effort, it was met with initial scepticism and hesitation. While some states were able to quickly accept and adopt the vaccine, some other states were hesitant. A prime example of this was the Kogi state government.

This hesitancy may have contributed to the state’s delay in kicking off the vaccination campaign for the virus. As a matter of fact, the State was the last to commence vaccination of its citizens; one month after the national roll out.  Having kicked off its own vaccination campaign, the race to catch up with the rest of the country became daunting with the state ranking amongst the lowest in terms of progress made with vaccine uptake.

Interventions have been made by leaders in the health sector to not just ensure vaccine accessibility but also advocacy for stakeholders to encourage vaccine uptake across the state.  One of the most recent interventions is the optimization of the Electronic Management of Immunization Data (EMID) application by eHealth Africa for the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) supported by GAVI. 

The EMID Application is a tool used for real-time data collection, including offline data. It was developed for the Nigerian terrain in which most health facilities are in areas with little or no internet connectivity and deployed for the collation of COVID-19 data across the 36+1 states. However, in line with the development roadmap of the EMID application, it has now been expanded to include Routine Immunisation services (Electronic Immunization Registry) Primary Health Care (PHC) services, and Polio Supplemental Immunizations Activities (PSIAs)/Non-Polio Supplemental Immunization (NPSIAs) campaigns. 

In view of these optimization efforts, eHealth Africa implemented a week-long State Training of Trainers (STOT) & step-down training in Kogi State on the use of the EMID mobile application.   

The aim of the training of trainers was to build the knowledge and skills of the 21 Local Immunisation Officers (LIO) in the use of the updated EMID mobile application and to provide further training and capacity-building activities to about 500 other data recorders and EMID focal persons at the individual local government areas (LGA) level. The EMID app would be used for effective real-time facility-level data collection and daily health services data transmission.

The Project Manager of Kogi State Emergency Routine Immunisation Coordination Center (SERICC), Mrs. Garba Khadijat, while speaking at the training said: “The introduction of this application will afford Kogi State efficient immunization data coverage, reporting and reduce the gaps experienced due to manual data recording” 

The training was instructor-led, It was delivered through lectures, use of visual aids, and engaged the participants through individual activities, role play, video and slide presentations, simulations, and do-it-yourself tasks.

In his own words, Mr Salami Oni, the EMID focal person at Okehi LGA, said ‘I am very impressed with the training we were given at the state level and confident enough to step it down at the LGA. He added that any immunization work done without proper reporting is void.

Through supportive supervision, the eHealth Africa team ensured a correct assessment of the learning progress: pre-training and post-training tests were administered during the beginning and end of the training, containing both open-ended and multiple-choice questions. This accounted for an average improvement in observable knowledge and skills.

During and after the training, all participants expressed their enthusiasm to learn and commitment to explore the application further to strengthen their knowledge of its usage. This would make them efficient in data collection and reporting.

How eHealth Africa Champions Holistic Well-being through Sporting Activities

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By Favour Oriaku

At eHealth Africa, we recognize that our greatest asset is our people. Their hard work, dedication, and passion are the driving force behind our mission to build stronger health systems across Africa. Understanding the importance of mental and physical well-being in sustaining high levels of performance and engagement, we have instituted a series of work-life balance activities across our office locations. Central to this initiative is our commitment to fostering a culture of health, unity, and mutual support through our sporting events every Tuesday and Thursday.

These are not just games; they are a fundamental part of our organizational fabric. We have tailored these sessions to involve everyone comfortably, with football attracting many of our male colleagues and volleyball popular among our female staff. This thoughtful categorization ensures widespread participation and is in line with our core values of inclusivity and respect for individual preferences.

The benefits we’re seeing go far beyond physical fitness. Regular exercise is scientifically proven to reduce severe health risks, but we’re witnessing firsthand the positive energy, reduced stress levels, and the bonding that’s building a more resilient eHealth Africa family. The effects spill over from the football field and volleyball court into daily office interactions, enhancing teamwork and easing communication.

But perhaps it’s best expressed directly by our team members, who have embraced this initiative wholeheartedly:

In Abuja, Solomon Eteng, one of our dedicated senior network administration associates, observes, “These sessions are about more than just exercise. They’re an avenue for bonding with colleagues, sharing a laugh, and easing the day’s stress. It’s amazing to see the impact on our work environment – there’s a boost in morale and productivity.”

Also in Abuja, Aisha Yakubu, a key member of our operations  team, adds, “Initially, I wasn’t sure sports was for me, but I gave volleyball a try and I’m glad I did! It’s refreshing and, beyond the health benefits, it shows the organization values our overall well-being. That really matters.”

In our Kano office, the enthusiasm is just as infectious. Mohammed Bello, a project manager who also doubles as the Culture Club lead says, “The football sessions are something I look forward to. It’s not just the physical health benefits; it’s the improved sleep, the relaxed mind, and the strengthened bonds with colleagues. You can see that team spirit reflected in our work collaborations.”

Likewise, Tosin Williams, a coordinator with the GIS department at our Kano office reflects, “Our sporting activities have been a revelation for me. It’s not just about keeping fit; it’s about the relationships we’re building. This has made a huge difference in making our work interactions even more effective and enjoyable.”

Our sports initiative is not just another organizational initiative; it’s a strategic approach to holistic well-being, reflecting our belief that when we take care of our staff, they can perform at their best, both professionally and personally. By investing in these activities, eHealth Africa is not only promoting healthier lifestyles but also fostering a culture of unity, mutual respect, and emotional support. So, as our teams in Abuja and Kano take to the field each week, we’re not just scoring goals in football or volleyball; we’re championing the well-being of our staff, and by extension, the communities we serve.

eHealth Africa’s Integration of Digital Solutions for Public Health Impact

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By Favour Oriaku

eHealth Africa (eHA) has the strong belief that access to proper healthcare is a right, not just a privilege. Consequently, eHA continues to create innovative solutions that provide underserved communities in Nigeria with the tools to take charge of their health and well-being. Through their digital innovations, eHA is bridging the gap between technology and healthcare. Currently, the organization is improving their offering by merging their two main applications – LoMIS Deliver and  LoMIS Stock – into one, all-encompassing platform: LoMIS Suite. This platform will enhance the management and delivery of vaccines and other health supplies. By doing so, ensuring that essential healthcare services are consistently available. 

LoMIS Deliver alone has successfully delivered over 17 million vaccine doses and 16 million essential goods to their destinations, overcoming logistical challenges to keep healthcare running smoothly. At the same time, LoMIS Stock has provided healthcare workers with a more efficient way to report, offering real-time visibility of stock levels and streamlining the planning process through a mobile app.

The merging of these two applications by eHA, promises to be a powerful tool for improving existing health systems. It will help manage stock levels, track deliveries, and enhance decision-making processes with ease and precision. With these merged applications, every piece of data collected will contribute to better delivery schedules, improved stock availability, and, most importantly, ensuring that every member of the community has access to essential healthcare services. The integration of the LoMIS applications represents not just a technological advancement, but a ray of hope for a society in pursuit of a dependable and efficient healthcare system at the last mile.

Fatimah Howeidy, the project manager, shares her perspective, saying: “Every data point we collect represents real people, families, and their futures. By merging our LoMIS Deliver and LoMIS Stock applications, we’re not only improving our technology but also ensuring that vaccines and health supplies are always available when and where they’re needed most, and the process is managed using a more improved system.”

This initiative is supported  by the Digital Health Innovation Accelerator Program (DHIAP), which was launched in 2021, and is powered by the WFP Innovation Accelerator and BMZ digilab – the innovation lab for digital solutions, initiated by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in collaboration with GIZ, the German Development Bank KfW, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. eHA project has been selected as one of 5 finalists for the WFP Sprint Programme, and is supporting the implementation by providing  financial support, as well as access to mentorship, guidance, and a strong network of peers and stakeholders to inspire and share knowledge and best practices. 

Through initiatives like these, eHA is empowered to offer not just technological solutions; they are weaving a future where healthcare is consistent and accessible to all. This future includes mothers who wish to see their children thrive without vaccine-preventable diseases, healthcare workers who rely on dependable data and supply chains, and communities that rightfully deserve equitable healthcare. In the synergy of technology and health facilitated by eHA, each vaccine delivered represents a stride towards improved health outcomes. Every report submitted through the app strengthens the battle against vaccine preventable diseases. And each decision made with precise, real-time data paves the way for equal healthcare accessible to all.

Fatimah encapsulates eHA’s spirit by saying, “Our solutions, especially when combined into the LoMIS Suite platform, are more than just applications. They are our commitment, represented in data, ensuring that every child and every family in our communities has reliable healthcare.”

In this intricately woven digital solution created by eHA, technology and health are seamlessly interconnected, ensuring that each individual and every community can consistently count on fair and reliable healthcare. It’s not just a project; it is a commitment to accessible healthcare through the power of technology and unwavering dedication of our healthcare professionals.

Inside eHealth Africa’s Vibrant ‘TGIF’ Tradition

Posted on by Moshood Isah

By Favour Oriaku

Finding the harmony between professional obligations and personal well-being is not just a perk—it’s a necessity. Our commitment to fostering a nurturing work environment has birthed our beloved tradition: the “Thank God It’s Friday” (TGIF) activity. This vibrant, monthly gathering is not only a testament to our organizational culture but also a celebration of the diversity, unity, and spiritedness that define us.

Held on the last Friday of each month, our TGIF is a variety of activities designed to ignite joy, foster connections, and refresh our team. The event is a lively mix of indoor games—including chess, card games, ludo, and Wood Block Game—as well as outdoor activities with volleyball and table tennis. But the festivities don’t stop there; they sometimes reach a climax with karaoke sessions, where our staff showcase their vocal talents, followed by a feast of food and drinks, making it an absolute delight.

Why do we do this? At eHealth Africa, we believe that work-life balance is crucial for the mental health and overall productivity of our team. These activities provide an informal setting for staff to unwind, connect with each other outside of work protocols, and build a sense of family and togetherness. It’s a reminder that we’re not just colleagues—we’re a family.

Our staff’s reflections beautifully articulate the impact of these gatherings:

Deborah Solomon, a Senior Project Support Coordinator  from our Kano office, shares, “TGIF is the highlight of my month! The games, the singing, the laughter—it’s the perfect way to unwind. I feel deeply connected to my colleagues, and it’s wonderful to see everyone let their guard down and just have fun!”

Ibrahim Adepoju, who is part of our network administration team, adds, “The last Friday of the month is something I eagerly await. The activities help me de-stress, and I’ve discovered so many hidden talents among my colleagues! It’s a fantastic way to wrap up the month.”

From Abuja, Diligence Saviour Albert, a member of our business application team, remarks, “I’ve always believed in work-life balance, and the TGIF initiative reinforces that. From board games to karaoke, there’s something for everyone. It’s not just about relaxation; these moments enhance our teamwork and make us look forward to the challenges ahead.”

Similarly, Onyeka Onwuama, an associate project manager in our Borno office, reflects, “These gatherings are not just for fun; they’re essential to our well-being. Connecting with colleagues over a game of chess or a song builds a support system that transcends professional relationships. It’s refreshing and, honestly, a major morale booster.”

Our TGIF tradition is embedded in our core belief at eHealth Africa: we are as dedicated to our staff’s well-being as we are to the communities we serve. Creating spaces for our team to relax, connect, and recharge is not just about building a positive work culture; it’s a fundamental part of our success story. As we continue to strive for excellence in building a stronger health system in Africa, we remain equally committed to nurturing a work environment where staff are appreciated, celebrated, and cared for—ensuring that at eHealth Africa, every last Friday isn’t just the end of a month, but a celebration of the people who make our mission possible.

World GIS Day: Underscoring the Impact of Geographic Information Systems in Public Health

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– Atef Fawaz

About a fortnight ago, Chairman of the National Population Commission, Nasir Isa-Kwarra announced that this administration is set to launch a Geospatial data repository along with an Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System (ECRVS) as the country plans to conduct its first digital census. This is basically in a bid to ensure every part of the country is comprehensively covered as census has continued to prove to be an effective way to ensure equity in  allocation of resources.  This coming a few days before the annual celebration of the World Geographic Information Systems (GIS) day further reiterates the importance of GIS in virtually every sector of the Nigerian economy, especially public health. 

Recently, it seems a lot of experts who have dedicated their lives to designing and implementing digital innovations to solve critical world problems may have not received the appropriate accolades for their efforts. This may be partly due to the proliferation of digital technological solutions across various sectors with varying degrees of efficacy. Thus it is heartwarming to see that the theme of the 2023  World Geographic Information Systems (GIS) day is dedicated to celebrating the immense efforts made by GIS professionals to achieve sustainable impact in solving problems in the area of public health, security, environmental preservation, emergency response and disaster management, geospatial data management and other critical decision making process. 

While it looks simplistic to say GIS is basically the use of maps to inspire change but that’s how the system has consistently been deployed over the years to identify problems, develop solutions and track changes. Importantly, data from geospatial analysis has consistently proven to be instrumental in detecting  and responding  to public health emergencies and natural disasters. This can go a long way in determining where and when relief materials, medical support and even vaccines could be deployed. 

According to the World Health Organisation, by connecting maps, applications, data and people, GIS has the potential of  supporting countries and partners to make informed public health decisions faster and to extend the reach of geospatial information across the organization. For instance, while the world is gradually moving on from the COVID-19 pandemic, the role Geospatial tools played in equitable response to the pandemic cannot be downplayed.  The booming global availability of geospatial information according to – Karin Källander, Global Digital Health Lead, UNICEF, provided unprecedented opportunities that ensured the challenge of equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines is met. 

At National and regional level, organizations like ehealth Africa have consistently installed and deployed GIS tools most recently in the fight against polio in Nigeria. The team successfully provided equipment and human resources to support the tracking of Polio Special Intervention campaigns in northern Nigeria. These support to a large extent not just identify hard to reach rural locations that are yet to be covered during vaccination but also track vaccination personnel in the process. As a matter of fact, the use of GIS tools significantly contributed to the mantra of “leaving no one behind when it comes to vaccination and other health interventions. Thus it proves an adequate framework when it comes to equity, coverage and resource allocation. 

Similarly, in March 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a policy recommendation on Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC); a new intervention against plasmodium falciparum malaria. The intervention deployed GIS to monitor the intermittent administration of a curative dose of antimalarial medicine to children at high risk of severe malaria living in areas with seasonal transmission, regardless of whether they are infected with malaria. While providing near real time updates on vaccination coverage, the GIS tracking system also flagged omitted households promoting accountability and transparency during and after  the intervention.

Over the years, GIS professionals have dusted the odds using a geographic approach in addressing unprecedented health challenges like Polio, Malaria, climate change, global warming and most recently, the  COVID-19 pandemic.  Beyond public healthcare interventions, Geospatial tools have been recommended as a critical solution for town planning, development of housing units, polling units location, and fight against insecurity amongst others.

In a nutshell, GIS provides an immense avenue to further amplify the success stories of GIS and importantly the professionals who consistently dedicate time and resources in developing digital solutions that can be tailored to provide context-specific insights.  It will thus be fascinating to see organizations like National Population Commission (NPC), Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Jamitan Tech Nig. Ltd, the Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri), and other critical Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Organizations and Societies collaborate to chart pathways of strengthening GIS and its prospect as the world host  World GIS day.

Atef Fawaz is the Executive Director of eHealth Africa. He is a Complex operations Management and ICT expert with experience in Humanitarian Response and Digital Health

Responding to Impending Public Health Emergencies in War-torn Region

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By Atef Fawaz

In the last two decades, more than 1.3 million people and nearly two trillion dollars have been lost to disasters caused by natural hazards, a United Nations Development Program (UNDP) data reveals. These disasters tend to come with varying degrees of devastation and impacts while in many other cases, affected locations tend to battle with especially public health emergencies during and after such disasters. 

While these disasters are largely natural, the escalation of wars in different parts of the world causes both humanitarian and environmental depredation with potential public health exigency. For instance, since its commencement in February 2022, the World Health Organisation revealed that about  7 million individuals have been displaced within Ukraine and another 7.5 million refugees have been displaced across Europe with over 6000 deaths. Meanwhile in the first 2 weeks, the Palestine-Israeli war has registered over 3000 deaths with many more wounded and displaced. 

Thus there are major concerns that the ongoing crisis in the region is not just an international relations crisis but also a public health crisis that can result in long-term consequences. With the few available hospitals overcrowded, overwhelmed and reaching breaking point while corpses litter the streets, medical experts are concerned about the potential outbreak of infectious diseases especially in Gaza.  Beyond little or no access to good food and water, victims of the ongoing crises risk mental health disorders like depression, anxiety amongst others. Even in the cause of seeking succor, displaced persons are largely exposed to health risks which could degenerate into pandemic both now and in the future. 

For instance, Dr. Jack Tsai, a professor and regional dean at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in San Antonio is worried that people who are forcibly displaced are at greater risk of communicable diseases such as COVID-19 and measles, which could lead to an outbreak. Also, the impact of deadly weapons like rockets, gravity bombs, amongst others could escalate the potential of future disasters from floods, and earthquakes to public health crises like pandemics and other  outbreaks. 

At the moment, immediate medical attention for the victims of war remains a priority, these nations could be preparing for an impending public health emergency in the near future. With hospitals vulnerable to attacks and healthcare workers losing their lives in the process, the diminishing healthcare facilities and personnel will no doubt contribute to an impending health emergency both during and aftermath of the conflict.  It’s more worrisome that these crises have the potential to spillover to neighboring countries and allies to affected nations as a result of mass migration.

This no doubt underscores the importance of developing robust Digital health intervention strategies to complement existing structures for a more improved response to a potential public health emergency and response. One important global best practice is the operationalization  of Emergency Operation Centers (EOC) that provides a platform for response teams to collect, analyze, prioritize, monitor, and disseminate information about health crises or disasters. This goes  a long way in providing access to information to stakeholders to ensure timely and effective decisions to ensure effective response to health emergencies. Just last year, the WHO inaugurated its first EOC in Gaza as part of efforts to improve emergency response amidst incessant conflict and health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Thus this is an opportunity to identify digital innovations and creative strategies to respond to impending health emergencies in the region.  Experts have suggested that Digital Health solutions can facilitate the integration of health data to monitor impacts, and potentially predict impacts on health, and also serve as decision support tools to provide alerts for potential related disasters. For instance, the Center for Strategic and International studies in one of its briefs on Disaster Risk Reduction through Digital Transformation revealed that, using data from Twitter feeds or even from satellite imagery has helped map the spread of disasters, especially with pandemics. Similarly, it was said that social media platforms played an important role in identifying and discussing symptoms of COVID-19 even before it became a pandemic. The online conversations no doubt helped medical experts to determine the origin of the virus and its eventual spread.

Also, applications like Geographic Information System; an important analytical mapping technology, helps build early warning systems in a bid to understand where potential hazards are located, how many people are affected and what response is needed. With this deep modeling capabilities of GIS, public health leaders and governments in developing nations or vulnerable locations  have a huge opportunity to build a predictive and estimation data repertoire, which can lead to more efficiently targeted emergency preparedness and recovery strategies.

There is also a need to develop emergency communications applications in a bid to reach out to a large public about emergency response efforts. Through this kind of mobile applications, users can receive weather reports, locate emergency shelters and even register for disaster aid. The app offers tips for handling over 20 types of emergency situations and disasters.  An example is the First Aid Disaster Readiness App developed by the  American Red Cross which provides health instructions in situations where victims cannot access hospital immediately. The app has consistently helped in to control bleeding, treat a broken bone, perform Cardiopulmonary resuscitation amongst others. Aside from providing support on first aid for allergies, asthma attacks, burns, choking, distress, heat strokes, stings and bites, the multiple section application also provides detailed information on preparing for situations like  an earthquake, drought, flooding, landslides, tsunamis, volcanoes, and more.

Developing nations must also learn from the current situation by strongly investing in digital structures, building partnerships across all critical stakeholders and developing a legal framework that meets global standards in a bid to internalize effective digital health strategy.  

Atef Fawaz is the Executive Director of eHealth Africa. He is a Complex operations Management and ICT expert with experience in Humanitarian Response and Digital Health

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