Category: Blog

5 Lessons UNGA80 Taught Us About African-Led Innovation

Posted on by Moshood Isah

By Azeez-Ayodele Fatimah Ayotemitide

For decades, conversations about Africa’s development have centered on aid. At UNGA80, that narrative shifted. eHealth Africa, alongside Population Services International (PSI), the Population Council, and Reach Digital Health, came together to reframe how the world sees Africa — not as a beneficiary, but as a builder. Their shared conviction was clear: the time for Africa to lead, design, and define its own development trajectory is now.

These organizations co-hosted the side event “African-led Innovation: Shaping Sustainable Futures With or Without Aid” at UNGA80 to turn that conviction into dialogue and action. The event brought together ministers, health leaders, researchers, and community innovators – both in New York, across Africa, and online – not to speculate about Africa’s potential, but to spotlight solutions already transforming lives. The call to action was clear: stop talking about Africa’s future. Start listening to how Africans are building it right now.

“Some African governments are beginning to prioritize innovation, especially in health technology. We are seeing increased funding and commitment, which is both encouraging and proof that this works,” shared Atef Fawaz, Executive Director of eHealth Africa, setting a strong context for this bold conversation.

He added, “We believe that Africa will be among the top 10–20 emerging markets in the next two decades. This is the place to be. My message to the younger generation is: look into Africa, invest in Africa — whether in health projects or tech. There is so much potential and talent here, and that’s what we are pushing forward.”

Ota Akigbe, Director of Programs at eHealth Africa, grounded this vision in practice: “Sustainability means creating systems where aid is helpful but not essential, and where communities and governments have the right skills, the right structures, and the right ownership to carry on by themselves.” 

From these conversations, five clear lessons emerged:

1. “Africa does not wait.” Innovation is already here.

One of the most resonant moments came from Hon. Chernor Bah, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, who opened the session with a truth that set the tone: “Africa does not wait.” He wasn’t speaking metaphorically. Across the continent, communities are deploying solar-powered clinics, building local data platforms, and designing digital health tools that respond to real needs with or without external funding. This isn’t a plea for help. It’s proof that African innovation is operational, not aspirational.

2. Technology must solve real problems, not just look impressive.

Michael Holscher, President of PSI, cut through the tech hype with a grounded reminder: “Technology only works if it solves real problems for real people.”  An app, a drone delivery system, or a new financing model only matters if it fits into the daily lives of women, youth, and underserved communities. Otherwise, it’s just noise. As our partners at Reach Digital Health emphasized during UNGA, we must build services people love, not just systems they tolerate.

3. Scaling requires partnership and redefined financing

True scale doesn’t come from isolated pilots or donor-driven agendas. It emerges when governments, civil society, the private sector, and communities co-own solutions – and when funding flows in ways that respect African leadership, not dictate it.

Co-President of the Population Council, James Sailer, made a compelling case, saying, “No one is doing this alone. When financing, trust, and accountability align, ideas stop being ‘cool pilots’ and start becoming national systems.”  The collaboration between eHealth Africa and other key stakeholders is not a coincidence, nor is it  mere convenience, but an intentional alignment.

4. Data is Africa’s sovereign resource.

Ota Akigbe, Director of Programs at eHealth Africa, also highlighted the critical role of inclusion and local agency: “When community voices are included from the start, solutions take root –  and they last a lot longer.”  This begins with data. In practice, this means co-designing tools like geospatial maps or vaccine delivery systems with communities, not just for them, so the data reflects real needs, builds trust, and earns government buy-in. 

When African institutions generate, own, and act on their own data, they stop borrowing metrics from abroad and start writing their own progress reports. That’s how you shift from dependency to self-determination.

5. Sovereignty isn’t a buzzword. It’s the foundation of resilience.

Manasseh Gihana Wandera, Executive Director of Society for Family Health Rwanda, put it plainly: “Sovereignty is the backbone of resilient health systems.”  When African nations design, fund, and scale their own solutions, no external actor can pull the plug. Aid may come and go, but locally rooted systems endure.
These are not stories of charity. They are stories of resilience and ownership. That’s the real takeaway from UNGA80: Africa’s future isn’t being handed down from somewhere else. It’s being built – brick by brick, byte by byte – by Africans themselves. This is because the future isn’t waiting – and neither is Africa.

From Pears and Apples to Purpose: The Shared Journey of an Internship Cohort at eHealth Africa

Posted on by Moshood Isah

Azeez-Ayodele Fatimah Ayotemitide

I have a confession: I came to eHealth Africa for the free pears and apples. It’s an honest truth I’ll carry with me. 

At my very first eHealth Africa program, I noticed the perks and thought, “Well,  that’s a nice little bonus.” But when the internship application opened a few months later, it presented itself as more than just a place with healthy snacks; it was a chance to practice my craft of visual storytelling, learn, and grow.

We are often taught that an internship is a brief foray into the professional world, a structured stepping stone where you mostly observe and assist. The reality of this internship, however, has been different. It has been a full-immersion experience that challenges the very notion of what building a career entails. Every project became a lesson in nuance, every challenge an opportunity to grow, and each of us has a story to tell. We came in as individuals, but we stand as a cohort, carrying forward the lessons that will define our professional journeys.

The Storytellers

My journey as a videographer quickly expanded as I was pushed to embody a communications professional. I learned that storytelling goes far beyond the lens, extending into the very essence of a project’s life and impact. With the Post Distribution Monitoring project (PDM), I wasn’t physically on the ground, but I lived the experience through my screen, watching the interviews and feeling the struggles of the enumerators. With SARMAAN (Safety and antimicrobial resistance of mass administration of azithromycin among children aged 1–11 months in Nigeria), I had the privilege of seeing the lives of the data collectors and partners unfold, both in the field and through the screen, learning to relay the impact in words and visuals that the world could see and understand. This is a story of living the mission firsthand, and I know it is a sentiment shared by my peers.

The Developers

For Abba Daniel, now an Associate, Software Developer with eHealth Africa, the program was a direct pipeline from learning to impact. He started out simply as  an attendee of the eHA Academy, but his passion and drive led him to this internship and onward into a full-fledged role. “The reality has been even better than I imagined,” he said, “I have actually been given the chance to work on meaningful tasks, collaborate with a supportive team, and contribute directly to real projects.” Abba’s journey does not end as a developer, he is also a mentor to the next cohort of the Academy, proving that the best way to learn is to teach.

The Detail-Oriented

For Abduljalal Usman, our Finance Intern, stepping into the Finance team came with surprises he hadn’t anticipated. The level of responsibility and trust placed in him went beyond his expectations. “I had the chance to work on meaningful tasks that contributed to ongoing projects rather than just observing from the sidelines.” He faced the challenge of handling complex and complicated financial documents, but with the support of his team, he learned to carefully review details and communicate for clarification, solidifying the crucial skill of attention to detail and accountability.

The Organizers

According to Hanifa Shuaib, our Program Delivery Intern, the program taught her that “meaningful impact often comes from teamwork and small, consistent contributions that add up to real change.” She actively participated in projects like SARMAAN II, supporting coordination and documentation. Hanifa credits her supervisors for helping her overcome the challenge of juggling multiple tasks by teaching her to prioritize and communicate her needs early.

A Shared Valuable Conclusion

This internship has been nothing short of transformative. We learned that public health and technology are not just concepts but living systems, rooted in people, stories, and innovation. 

For me, the greatest lesson was learning to listen to learn, not just to reply – value woven into the culture of eHealth Africa. Here, everyone matters, and standing still means falling behind. You must grow!

This is the true return on investment. Not just for us as interns, but for eHealth Africa and its partners. This journey turned us from learners into doers, ready to contribute to a healthier, more connected Africa. 

And to think, for me, it all started with free pears and apples.

Azeez-Ayodele Fatimah is a Communications Intern with eHealth Africa

Beyond the Panels: How Solarizing PHCs is Powering Health and Hope

Posted on by Moshood Isah

Joyce shinyi

Reliable electricity is a critical determinant of quality care in Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities. Yet, according to the World Health Organisation, close to 1 billion people in Lower-and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC)  of which Nigeria is included, are estimated to be served by PHCs that operate with limited or no power, compromising vaccine storage, emergency care, and essential health services. Across rural and underserved areas, this gap has long affected patient outcomes and staff effectiveness.

The solarization of 238 PHCs across 12 Nigerian states is changing that reality. Funded by UNICEF and implemented by eHealth Africa (eHA), the initiative strengthens health systems, builds local capacity for solar maintenance, and ensures uninterrupted healthcare services. According to the Executive Director of eHealth Africa, Atef Fawaz, “This initiative is not just about installing solar panels. It’s about giving communities the power to access essential healthcare when they need it most.  Our resilience in supporting interventions like this ensures that, not just patients but also health workers in underserved communities have the resources they need to save lives”. 

By doing so, it contributes to reducing zero-dose children and improving routine immunization coverage. The solarization initiative also represents a sustainable renewable energy solution, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting Nigeria’s climate change goals. By aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) and climate action (SDG 13), it demonstrates how health interventions can simultaneously advance environmental sustainability.

The intervention  is being implemented in two phases: Lot 1 covers 191 PHCs in Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara, while Lot 3 covers 47 PHCs in the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, and Plateau. Installation began in early 2025, with progress already visible: 28 facilities in Kano completed and handed over to the Kano State Government, 3 facilities in Abuja, and 33 out of 34 in Jigawa are now solarized and operational. These completions mark a significant milestone in ensuring reliable healthcare services across underserved regions. The Teams are currently working in Nasarawa, Kaduna, and Niger to install and commission systems.

More Than Light: Restoring Confidence in Care

For healthcare workers like Saliu Muhammad, the change is tangible every day; “Before the solar system, we sometimes told patients to come back the next day for lab results because we had no light. Now, we can run tests like genotype in 30 minutes. Patients have expressed satisfaction with the improved services.” Solar power has not only improved operational efficiency but also rebuilt community trust. Families that once traveled far for care now know their local PHCs can provide reliable services day or night, ensuring timely access to essential health interventions.

For patients like Aisha Suleiman Ibrahim, the difference is deeply personal. “Before, labour at night meant using torchlight or lanterns. Now, everywhere is bright, and they attend to us immediately. No more delays, no more unsafe conditions.” Night-time emergencies no longer depend on mobile phone batteries or kerosene lamps. Powered equipment has replaced uncertainty with reliable, safe care, enabling life-saving interventions round the clock.

Powering an Entire Supply Chain

In some facilities, the benefits extend beyond their walls. Seun Olusola explains; “Solar doesn’t just power our own facility. It keeps the AMAC vaccine store running. We now maintain vaccine potency not only for ourselves but for other centres that collect from us. It has strengthened the whole local supply chain.” This improvement ensures vaccine integrity, reduces wastage, and supports higher immunization coverage across multiple facilities, enhancing the efficiency of the wider health system.

The project also invests in people. PHC staff are trained to operate and maintain the solar systems, from cleaning panels to checking batteries and managing energy loads. “Even if key staff are away, others can operate the system. That knowledge makes us confident we can keep it running.” – Seun Olusola . This capacity building ensures that the benefits of solarization are sustainable and that health workers are empowered to deliver consistent, high-quality care.

Illuminating a Path to Stronger Health Systems

With more facilities coming onboard, the solarization intervention  is transforming healthcare delivery in underserved areas. It ensures vaccines maintain their potency, cutting patient waiting times, improving staff morale, and ensuring that essential services are available whenever they are needed. Independent assessments and ongoing monitoring confirm the effectiveness of the systems, helping guide future rollout phases and reinforcing accountability to partners and communities.

By going beyond simple infrastructure upgrades, the solarization solution  is illuminating a path to stronger, more resilient health systems, ensuring communities across Nigeria can access life-saving care at all times. It demonstrates that sometimes, the most powerful health intervention is not just a drug or equipment alone, but the combination of both, working together.

5 Big Lessons from Insights Learning Forum 2025 

Posted on by Moshood Isah

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 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 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 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.

Reflections on the One Health Conversation at ADHS 2025

Posted on by Tijesu Ojumu

Tijesu Ojumu

At the 2025 Africa Digital Health Summit (ADHS) in Lagos, eHealth Africa had the privilege of hosting a side session on a topic of growing urgency: The Role of Digital Innovation in Advancing One Health in Africa.

The session brought together health experts, environmental scientists, animal health professionals, and digital innovators for one clear purpose: to explore how a more connected, data-driven approach can strengthen our ability to predict, prevent, and respond to health threats that cross sectors and species.

The One Health approach recognizes that the health of people, animals, and the environment are deeply interconnected. In a continent where zoonotic diseases are common, food security is vulnerable to climate shifts, and health systems are often fragmented, a siloed approach simply doesn’t work. If we want to control disease outbreaks, we can’t wait until humans are affected. We have to monitor the animals, the environment, and the social systems surrounding them.

This is where digital innovation comes in.

At eHealth Africa, we’ve seen the value of tools like geospatial tracking systems for disease surveillance, digital microplanning platforms like Planfeld, and integrated data dashboards that offer real-time visibility into emerging health threats. But what truly stood out in the ADHS conversation was this: technology alone is not enough.

Speakers across the session emphasized that digital tools only work when they’re part of a broader ecosystem that includes trust, interoperability, local engagement, and strong multisectoral coordination. One of the key takeaways was the need to design systems that are inclusive—tools that work not just for human health, but also for veterinary services, environmental monitors, and community-based responders.

Several powerful insights emerged:

  • Data Quality & Ownership: Without high-quality, context-rich data that is owned and trusted by local actors, digital tools will never achieve their full potential.
  • Workforce Readiness: Intersectoral collaboration only works when human capacity is strengthened across the board. This includes training veterinarians, environmental scientists, and frontline health workers to engage with shared systems.
  • Inclusive Infrastructure: It’s not enough to have the tech; systems must be built to work across rural and urban settings, among both literate and non-literate populations, and in regions with limited internet connectivity.
  • Impact Beyond Tools: As one speaker noted, “Success is not a shiny new dashboard. Success is when an outbreak is stopped before it spreads.” That’s the standard we must hold innovation to.

For eHealth Africa, this session was not just about sharing our work—it was about listening, learning, and reinforcing our commitment to support African governments and partners with digital tools that make sense locally and can scale regionally.

This is why we are investing in interoperable systems, building relationships across sectors, and focusing on solutions that don’t just react to emergencies but build long-term resilience.

As we left the ADHS 2025 summit, one thing was clear: Africa doesn’t need more tech for tech’s sake. It needs systems that reflect our realities, connect our knowledge, and protect our communities.

The One Health approach offers a framework for that kind of transformation—and digital innovation, when done right, can help bring it to life.

Let’s build those systems together. To explore eHealth Africa’s One Health work and digital health partnerships, visit ehealthafrica.org or follow @eHealthAfrica across all social media channels.

Digital Surveillance in Action: How Geospatial Tools Are Strengthening Polio Response in Kebbi State

Posted on by Tijesu Ojumu

Tijesu Ojumu

eHealth Africa Program Manager, Disease Prevention and Monitoring presenting at the ADHS 2025

In northern Nigeria, where healthcare access is challenged by terrain, insecurity, and resource gaps, responding quickly to a disease outbreak can mean the difference between containment and catastrophe. That’s why innovative disease surveillance strategies are essential—and why eHealth Africa’s work in Kebbi State is setting a new standard.

At the 2025 Africa Digital Health Summit, eHealth Africa presented an abstract during the Scientific Session III titled “Applications of Geospatial Tracking Systems and Digital Microplanning Tools to Improve Polio Outbreak Response in Kebbi State, Nigeria.” The research, jointly authored by Abubakar Shehu, Comfort Audi, Dayo Akinleye, and Ruth Nkem, highlights a replicable model for how integrated digital tools can dramatically improve response times, accuracy, and community coverage.

Polio remains a persistent threat in parts of northern Nigeria, where complex geography, nomadic populations, and infrastructural limitations make it difficult to identify and reach all at-risk children. Traditional microplanning often relies on outdated or incomplete maps, leaving gaps in immunization coverage and exposing communities to preventable outbreaks.

That’s where geospatial tracking and digital microplanning come in.

In Kebbi, eHealth Africa deployed a suite of tools that included:

  • Geospatial mapping and tracking: Accurately plotting settlements, population clusters, and hard-to-reach areas using satellite data and field validation.
  • Digital microplanning via Planfeld: Replacing manual registers and static Excel sheets with dynamic dashboards that allowed health teams to plan campaigns based on real-time data.
  • Mobile-based feedback loops: Enabling vaccinators and supervisors to report field challenges instantly, improving accountability and mid-campaign adjustments.

The result? A notable increase in vaccination coverage, reduction in missed settlements, and better identification of high-risk zones. By layering population data, health facility readiness, and campaign performance onto interactive digital maps, the team in Kebbi could visualize gaps and reallocate resources with unprecedented speed and precision.

This was not just about technology—it was about coordination, capacity building, and data-informed action.

Key to the success of this approach was local ownership. Field teams were trained extensively to use the new tools, and state and LGA health officials were actively involved in planning sessions. This made the data more meaningful and the tools more sustainable.

What makes the Kebbi experience so powerful is its replicability. The lessons from this deployment can apply not just to polio, but to any outbreak-prone disease. Whether it’s cholera, measles, or Lassa fever, the ability to map, plan, and respond in real time is becoming a cornerstone of effective public health systems.

eHealth Africa’s work in Kebbi is a clear example of how digital innovation can bridge systemic gaps in the last mile. As outbreaks grow more complex and resources remain limited, Africa must invest in the kind of solutions that make every dose, every data point, and every decision count.

We’re proud of the team that led this work and grateful to all field workers, partners, and government agencies who made it possible.To learn more about eHealth Africa’s digital tools for outbreak response, visit ehealthafrica.org.

How eHealth Africa Is Shaping Health-Tech Conversations Across the Continent

Posted on by Tijesu Ojumu

Tijesu Ojumu

In boardrooms, conference halls, and digital health roundtables across Africa, the conversation is changing. It’s no longer just about deploying technology—it’s about designing systems that last, policies that enable, and innovations that scale. And eHealth Africa isn’t just in the room for these conversations. We’re helping shape them.

At a recent Stakeholder Alignment Workshop on Health-Tech Innovations for Advancing Universal Health Coverage, hosted by the leadership of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR) and the leaderships of CCHub, Salient Advisory, and the i3 team, eHealth Africa’s leadership was represented by the Director of Partnerships and Programs, Ota Akhigbe whose remarks emphasised that the future of health in Africa is about aligning innovation with national strategy, embedding it into real systems, and measuring what truly matters; equitable outcomes.

At the recently concluded Africa Digital Health Summit 2025, eHealth Africa Deputy Director, Programs and Partnerships- Dr. David Akpan co-chaired a session and what emerged was a refreshing reminder that innovation isn’t always about the newest, flashiest tools. As Dr. David put it, “Innovation can be as simple as improving an existing process. If it makes it easier, faster, more accessible—then it’s innovation that matters.”

This focus on relevance and usability is central to eHealth Africa’s mission. Over the years, we’ve deployed digital health solutions across West and Central Africa, but what has remained consistent is our belief in building tools with, not just for, health systems.

From supporting national campaigns with GIS and real-time dashboards, to co-developing platforms like Planfeld for microplanning and outbreak response, our work bridges the gap between field realities and digital opportunities.

Our presence at policy workshops, innovation forums, and high-level summits isn’t accidental. It reflects a shift in how eHealth Africa is viewed across the continent: not just as a technical partner, but as a thought partner. We bring field-tested experience, deep partnerships with governments, and a practical lens that balances ambition with implementation.

Why does this matter? Because Africa’s digital health future won’t be driven by theory alone. It will require influence. Influence that is earned through delivery. Influence that helps shape funding priorities, regulatory frameworks, and capacity development.

When we sit on panels, moderate discussions, or present research at summits like ADHS or ILF, we’re not there to just showcase tech. We’re there to advocate for approaches that work. To ask tough questions about inclusivity, equity, interoperability, and long-term system fit. To amplify the voices of field workers, innovators, and underrepresented communities.

And it’s working. More governments are requesting support not just to run programs, but to co-design policy blueprints. More funders are asking how to align their interventions with existing local infrastructure. More innovators are looking to us as conveners and collaborators.

The health-tech landscape in Africa is maturing. And eHealth Africa is proud to be part of the cohort helping define what comes next.

Because in the end, influence isn’t about the microphone—it’s about the message. And our message is clear: If we want systems that last, we must design them together.

To explore how eHealth Africa contributes to policy and partnership development in digital health, visit ehealthafrica.org or follow @eHealthAfrica.

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