Blog Archives - Page 2 of 8

Digital Microplanning in Lagos: Transforming Primary Health Care with Planfeld

Posted on May 28, 2025July 4, 2025 by Tijesu Ojumu

In Nigeria’s most populous state, a quiet transformation is underway—one that could redefine how health services reach millions. This transformation isn’t marked by ribbon-cutting ceremonies or grand speeches. Instead, it’s happening behind the scenes, in consultation rooms, in data dashboards, and through the steady work of planners, health workers, and technologists. It’s the digitization of microplanning, and in Lagos State, it might just change everything.

At the heart of this shift is eHealth Africa (eHA), in partnership with the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB) and UNICEF. In May 2025, the organizations came together for an inception meeting that laid the groundwork for this bold new chapter: using technology to digitize and strengthen microplanning for primary health care (PHC) delivery.

Why does this matter? Because microplanning is the lifeblood of effective PHC. It’s how local governments decide where to send health workers, how many vaccines to procure, which communities need more outreach, and what gaps remain in the system. Done well, microplanning ensures no one is left behind. Done poorly or manually, it opens the door to inefficiencies, missed targets, and avoidable disease outbreaks.

Today, Lagos has a growing population of over 21 million people, many of whom rely on the public health system for essential services—from immunization and maternal care to malaria prevention and nutrition programs. With such scale comes complexity. Lagos is not a place where a one-size-fits-all health strategy works. Different local government areas (LGAs) have vastly different needs. Communities in riverine areas face completely different access issues than those in dense urban districts. Microplanning allows for nuance. And digitizing that process? That allows for real-time decision-making.

*A group picture of eHealth Africa team and Lagos State Primary Health Care Board team members.*

Through the Planfeld platform—developed by eHealth Africa—Lagos is now exploring how digital tools can simplify the entire microplanning process. Planfeld is a dynamic, user-friendly system designed to support data collection, service mapping, and planning workflows at the local level. It reduces the paperwork, centralizes information, and makes updates accessible across teams. With this tool, LGA health planners can visualize health service gaps, allocate resources more efficiently, and track implementation progress without relying on outdated Excel sheets or handwritten registers.

More importantly, it gives health workers and managers access to data they can trust. Imagine a scenario where a health facility can quickly identify which community was missed during the last vaccination round. Or a logistics team that can plan distribution routes based on real-time facility readiness. That’s not just efficient—it’s life-saving.

The inception meeting between eHA, LSPHCB, and UNICEF was more than a formality. It was a deliberate step toward co-designing solutions that work for the people who use them. Frontline workers, program managers, and system architects came together to share their realities and chart a path forward. This collaborative approach ensures that the digital tools being developed are not imposed, but integrated into workflows in a way that feels natural and sustainable.

This transformation also sends a powerful message: that digital health isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. As climate change, urbanization, and population growth continue to stretch public health systems, the only way to deliver quality care at scale is to equip decision-makers with timely, granular, and actionable data.

And that’s precisely where Planfeld shines. The platform doesn’t just digitize planning; it democratizes it. It empowers health workers with the information they need to advocate for their communities. It brings transparency to decision-making. And it gives Lagos—a mega city with mega challenges—a real shot at responsive, resilient, and equitable health care.

For eHealth Africa, this is more than a project. It’s a reaffirmation of its core mission: to build stronger health systems through technology and collaboration. Supporting the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board is part of a broader strategy to show how locally developed solutions can create impact at state and national levels.

The road ahead will not be without challenges. Change requires buy-in, infrastructure, training, and continued support. But if the energy in the room during the inception meeting was anything to go by, Lagos is more than ready. Health systems work best when they are built with the people who rely on them. And with digital microplanning, Lagos is proving that the future of health isn’t just digital—it’s local, inclusive, and already within reach.

To learn more about planfeld, visit: https://planfeld.ehealthafrica.org/

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

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

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

By Joyce Shinyi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BISKIT: Bridging the Gap in Blood Information Management System

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

By – Fatima Abdulaziz Ayomitide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Free Medication from eHealth Africa Transformed Hafsat’s Life

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

By Moshood Isah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moshood Isah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Empowering Mothers & Protecting Newborns for Healthy Futures

Posted on April 7, 2025April 29, 2025 by Moshood Isah

Joyce Shinyi

In many parts of the world, including Nigeria, maternal health remains a critical issue. Pregnant women and new mothers often face barriers such as inadequate access to quality healthcare, limited awareness of postnatal depression, and difficulties balancing work, childcare, and self-care. In marginalized communities, these challenges are compounded by economic constraints and limited healthcare infrastructure.

Empowering Mothers & Protecting Newborns for Healthy Futures

Similarly, access to accurate and reliable maternal and newborn health information is another crucial factor, with many women struggling to find trustworthy, accessible guidance on prenatal and postnatal care. Without adequate knowledge, risks such as stillbirth, maternal complications, maternal and newborn mortality increases. While there seems to be general information about maternal and newborn health, it is important to separate myths from facts.

According to Gloria Dabo, Healthcare Worker in Abuja, Nigeria, “Women should be educated, especially those who have given birth before, to understand that every pregnancy is unique and requires monitoring.” She advises women to prioritize early antenatal saying, it is key to preventing unforeseen complications.

Also, it is pertinent to expand mental health support for mothers as postnatal depression remains a largely unaddressed issue, particularly in marginalized communities where mental health resources are scarce. Many women experience emotional distress following childbirth but lack the support necessary to navigate these challenges.

Corroborating this thought, Simon Esther, a pregnant woman sought for more awareness on postnatal depression. She said, “Many women, especially in rural areas, don’t even know it exists. Men should be encouraged to attend antenatal classes so they can better support their wives during and after pregnancy.”

By increasing awareness and access to maternal mental health resources and encouraging community engagement, and education about postnatal depression, we can also help reduce stigma and ensure more mothers receive the care they need.

Emphasizing how important maternal and child health is, a nursing mother, David Jane enthused that, “a woman will never forget how she was treated during pregnancy and after childbirth. This is a crucial time when she needs the most care, rest, and support from family, employers, and society.” Thus, strengthening healthcare access for mothers and newborn is essential for building healthier communities.

Key stakeholders have continuously called on governments to provide necessary equipment in hospitals, especially the government-owned ones. According to Gloria Dabo, “Many mothers go there to access care, but crucial tools like ultrasound machines for monitoring pregnancies aren’t available. Early detection of complications can save lives.”

In line with the theme of this year’s commemoration of World Health Day, WHO urged governments , private sectors, Non-Governmental Organizations and the health community to ramp up efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths, and to prioritize women’s longer-term health and well-being. eHealth Africa for instance, is leveraging data-driven solutions to bridge critical gaps in healthcare access. Through the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) intervention Project, the organization was able to enhance access to essential nutrition services for pregnant and nursing mothers. Proper nutrition plays a vital role in maternal well-being and the healthy development of newborns, reducing risks of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

Additionally, our Vaccine Direct Delivery (VDD) ensures that essential vaccines reach underserved communities, safeguarding maternal and newborn health. By improving access to life-saving vaccines, we are helping reduce the risks of preventable diseases that can lead to newborn mortality and complications.

Our collaboration with Jacaranda Health will will also go a long way in empowering frontline health workers with digital tools and real-time guidance. This intervention will help ensure timely, high-quality care for mothers throughout their pregnancies and beyond, improving maternal and newborn survival rates.

As we observe World Health Day 2025, we are reminded of the importance of maternal and newborn health, particularly the challenges mothers face from pregnancy through early childhood. At eHealth Africa (eHA), we are committed to improving access to healthcare in underserved communities, including services that support women and children.

Healthy beginnings lay the foundation for hopeful futures for mothers, children, and entire communities. Join us in advocating for better maternal health outcomes and supporting the well-being of mothers everywhere.

Happy World Health Day!

Building a Healthier Future: eHealth Africa’s Reflections from the Sankalp Summit

Posted on April 4, 2025April 7, 2025 by Moshood Isah

By – Moshood Isah

With fewer than half of African startups surviving beyond their early years, the continent continues to grapple with challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and limited access to resources, networks, and funding. Many innovative businesses struggle to secure the capital and mentorship needed for growth and sustainability.

A concerning trend reveals that 90% of startups fail within their first five years, a statistic particularly troubling for emerging entrepreneurs. According to Forbes, financial constraints, including running out of cash and failing to raise capital, are the primary reasons for these failures. Nigeria, for example, has over 3,360 startups but also holds the highest failure rate in Africa at 61%. Other contributing factors include inconsistent government policies, inadequate skills, limited access to funding, and high business registration costs.

This challenge extends across various sectors, including healthcare. While the demand for affordable and accessible care continues to rise, business models that balance financial viability with social impact remain difficult to implement. Recognizing these challenges, eHealth Africa (EHA) participated in the recent Sankalp Summit, one of Africa’s largest convenings focused on entrepreneurship and sustainable development.

At the summit, EHA hosted a panel session titled “Sustainable Business Models for Primary Healthcare in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities.” Moderated by EHA Board Member Michelline Ntiru, the session brought together healthcare leaders to discuss key strategies for maintaining financial sustainability while expanding healthcare access. Discussions centered around lessons from successful scale-ups, the role of public-private partnerships, and innovative service delivery models.

Ahead of the session, EHA’s Executive Director, Atef Fawaz, emphasized the importance of summits like Sankalp in fostering investor partnerships, stating, “As an organization that has spent years working with governments and NGOs to improve health systems through data-driven solutions, conversations like these are crucial.” He further highlighted the organization’s vision for the coming years, adding, “We are intensifying efforts to transform healthcare, champion collaboration, and drive innovation to enhance economic prosperity. Events like Sankalp serve as motivation to scale our impact, particularly in underserved communities.”

Panelists explored various investment and funding challenges, recommending strategies to attract capital and ensure financial sustainability. The session also provided startups and investors with insights on navigating regulatory and operational barriers across different markets. After the discussion, EHA’s Director of Partnerships and Programs reflected on the event’s significance, stating, “We explored the intersection of cutting-edge technology, strategic investment, and collaborative partnerships—the very pillars of our vision. We are working across multiple countries and impacting millions of lives.”

She also emphasized the value of networking at the summit, sharing that “this platform connected us with organizations making real impact—from measuring social change to transforming food production and strengthening health systems. These conversations planted the seeds for future collaborations.” She reiterated that EHA is building a community of partners who align with the organization’s mission of better healthcare, women’s empowerment, innovation, tackling climate change, and strategic growth.

The event culminated with a significant announcement: EHA Impact Ventures (EIV) committed a $2 million equity investment in EHA Clinics, marking a pivotal step in strengthening sustainable and scalable primary healthcare models across Africa. This funding will support expansion efforts to reach more communities, technology-driven healthcare solutions, and innovative financing models like REACH, which provides community-based, membership-driven healthcare access.

According to EIV’s Chief Executive Officer, “This investment reflects a growing recognition of the need for flexible, long-term capital in the healthcare sector—balancing financial sustainability with impact.” This commitment reinforces EHA’s mission to transform healthcare accessibility, affordability, and efficiency across Africa, ensuring that innovative solutions continue to thrive.

As Africa’s healthcare ecosystem continues to evolve, EHA Group will continue to foster sustainable business models and strengthen partnerships to pave the way for a more resilient and inclusive future for healthcare and beyond.

Data for Her: How Digital Health Tools Are Closing Gaps in Women’s Health

Posted on March 21, 2025July 7, 2025 by Tijesu Ojumu

Tijesu Ojumu

Across many parts of Nigeria and the African continent, health systems are often designed in ways that treat women as beneficiaries—but not as central users, decision-makers, or even visible in the data. Yet it is women and girls who are disproportionately affected by gaps in access, affordability, and information. This disconnect not only undermines health outcomes but weakens the ability of systems to plan effectively and equitably.

At eHealth Africa, we are seeing how digital tools can begin to shift this narrative—from invisibility to inclusion. We’ve learned that the question is not simply whether women are being served, but how they are being seen in the data. And more importantly, whether they are being counted in ways that reflect their full experience—across different life stages, geographies, and health needs.

Where Gender Gaps Begin

From our work in maternal health, childhood nutrition, outbreak response, and logistics, we’ve observed that gender disparities in health often begin with how problems are defined. In microplanning for routine immunization, for instance, women are frequently the primary caregivers who interact with the health system. But their perspectives, challenges, and time constraints are rarely captured in planning sessions or data sets.

In one rural state, a survey showed a drop in immunization uptake. The default explanation was “vaccine hesitancy.” But further community engagement revealed the real barrier: women had to travel over 5 kilometers on foot with multiple children, without access to safe transportation. When digital microplanning tools like Planfeld were introduced to visualize catchment areas and overlay them with settlement maps and facility capacity, local health teams saw the mismatch clearly. Outreach plans were revised, mobile teams were deployed, and uptake rebounded.

Making Women Visible in the System

Digital health tools, when designed inclusively, can correct blind spots in the system. They allow decision-makers to:

Track service delivery gaps specifically for women and adolescent girls.
Disaggregate data by sex, age, and location to identify who is being reached and who is not.
Enable frontline health workers—many of whom are women themselves—to feed back real-time information.
Map trends in maternal and reproductive health services to detect slippage or progress.

In our SRHR-focused work, we’ve used geospatial analysis to identify underserved areas with high adolescent birth rates. We’ve also supported monitoring frameworks that include indicators on menstrual hygiene access, antenatal care attendance, and community-level awareness. These efforts help reveal not just health outcomes, but the structural barriers behind them—whether it’s school absence due to lack of sanitary products or under-resourced health posts in remote communities.

Designing Tools That Fit Women’s Lives

Inclusion is not just about what data is collected, but how. Many digital health interventions assume consistent literacy, smartphone access, or connectivity—all of which can be barriers for women, especially in rural or low-income settings. That’s why we emphasize human-centered design.

Our team co-creates tools with users—including female community health workers, caregivers, and adolescent girls. Features such as:

Voice-based instructions
Visual prompts instead of text
Offline functionality
Integration with existing workflows

make the difference between a tool that is adopted and one that is abandoned.

Closing the Loop: From Insights to Action

Too often, women’s health data is collected but not used. It gets lost in reports, buried in dashboards, or aggregated into trends that erase nuance. At eHealth Africa, we work with government partners to ensure that insights become action. For example:

In our early childhood development project, we developed gender-sensitive monitoring tools that tracked girls’ access to education and nutrition alongside immunization coverage.
In outbreak surveillance, we built dashboards that differentiated between female and male case detection and response times.
In facility-level planning, we supported decision-making that prioritized SRHR services based on community-reported gaps.

These are not add-ons. They are core to building a public health system that recognizes and responds to women as full participants.

A System That Reflects Everyone

The push for gender equality in health systems is not new. But digital tools offer a new frontier for making it real. They can provide the clarity, speed, and granularity needed to surface inequities and act on them before they become crises.

But this only happens when the people designing and deploying digital tools ask hard questions:

Who benefits from this data?
Who is missing from this picture?
How will this tool shift power or access for women?

At eHealth Africa, we don’t just ask these questions—we embed them into our processes.

As digital health systems grow across Africa, we must ensure they are not built on old assumptions. A truly inclusive digital future will require a commitment to gender-aware data, systems that reflect lived realities, and tools that work for the people using them—especially women.

Because when we make women visible in health systems, we make everyone healthier.To learn more about eHealth Africa’s gender-focused digital health work, visit ehealthafrica.org.

From Passion to Proficiency: How eHA Academy is Shaping Future Tech Leaders

Posted on March 13, 2025March 13, 2025 by Moshood Isah

– Chinwendu Tabitha Iroegbu

Nigeria’s digital abilities are trailing below the global average because of a large skills gap. In Nigeria, digital skills will be necessary for about half of all jobs by 2030, and only 11% of graduates have formal tech training. Nigeria and Africa in general have a long way to go before they can truly compete in the digital world.

This digital skills gap has significant consequences for Nigeria’s economic growth and global competitiveness. Without a workforce equipped with essential tech skills, businesses struggle to adopt emerging technologies, leading to reduced productivity and innovation. Additionally, the lack of digital expertise limits job opportunities for young Nigerians, increasing unemployment and widening economic inequality. As industries worldwide shift toward automation and artificial intelligence, Nigeria risks being left behind, unable to fully leverage the benefits of the digital economy.

How eHA Academy is Closing the Gap

To bridge these critical gaps, eHealth Africa (eHA) founded eHA Academy in 2016 to give young people across Africa the technical skills that meet industry standards. The academy is also assisting people in pursuing professions in data analytics, UI/UX design, and software development. The Academy provides rigorous, 16-week training courses. These courses offer practical, industry-focused, and high-quality, easily available training that prepares graduates for the current tech workforce.

Beyond merely imparting technical knowledge, eHA Academy provides the opportunity for project-based learning, mentorship, and experiential learning. This guarantees that students acquire practical experience and develop a solid portfolio that improves their employability.

Proven Success: The Impact of eHA Academy

Since its inception, eHA Academy has trained over 140 students, many of whom have successfully transitioned into careers in tech. The impact of the program is evident in the success stories of graduates who have made remarkable career shifts.

Dr Lawan Hassan Adamu, a Ph.D Associate Professor of Human Anatomy at the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, did not delay in applying to join the Academy as it aligns with his interest in deploying innovative solutions in his field of endeavor.

According to Dr Lawan, “I saw this as an opportunity to enhance my technical capabilities and contribute to innovative solutions for challenges in public health and biomedical sciences.” Having received practical knowledge on UI/UX design, web development, Agile project management tools amongst others, Dr Lawan says, “My focus will remain on creating scalable, impactful solutions that bridge the gap between healthcare delivery and technology”. This, according to him, includes the creation of e-learning platforms, public health tools, and further deploying data management tools to improve community health.

On her part, Fatima Muhammad Bashir started her journey in agricultural science but discovered a passion for web development through eHA Academy. Today, she is building digital solutions that impact lives. Fatima plans to use these skills to build websites for small businesses in her community, focusing on user-friendly designs and impactful solutions. “Additionally, I aim to take on freelance projects to refine my expertise while working towards a long-term career in tech”, she said.

For Orazuilike Chinazaekpele Francisca, who previously worked in the hospitality sector, she will leverage her training at eHA Academy to secure a role in the tech industry. This will not only refine my web development skills but also allow me to contribute to a cause I’m passionate about.” Chinaza hopes to build her career with practical application and continuous learning.

According to her, “I will use these skills to help build a responsive and informative website for Non Governmental Organizations advocating for early education and children’s welfare.

For others, like Emmanuel Oga, eHA Academy provided the structured learning environment he needed to transition from struggling with self-learning to becoming a software developer. Many graduates have gone on to work with established companies, startups, and some have launched their tech initiative. The Academy’s influence extends beyond individual success, it is actively shaping Nigeria’s digital economy by supplying a skilled workforce ready to drive innovation. In addition to collaborating with professionals in the sector and working on real-world projects, students also receive experienced mentoring.

The Future of Tech Education in Africa

Programs like eHA Academy are essential to preparing Africa for the future, as the continent’s demand for digital skills is only going to grow. Africa’s technological future is bright, as the Academy is demonstrating by providing students with employable skills, encouraging innovation, and establishing career routes.

Muflihat Abdulmajid, a proud alumni of eHA Academy, reflects on her journey: “The joy and fulfillment I now have, being part of a team building software solutions for public health interventions in Africa is compared to none.”

Her story is a testament to how eHA Academy empowers individuals with the skills to drive impactful change in health technology.

For those eager to embark on a transformative learning journey, eHA Academy remains a gateway to endless opportunities. With the right education and resources, Africa’s next generation of tech leaders is being built one graduate at a time.

“We are excited to see the impact our graduates will have on the world. They are now equipped to address complex challenges in health tech and contribute to shaping a future where technology and healthcare work hand-in-hand to improve lives across the continent,” said Jamil Galadanci, Senior Manager, Software Engineering, eHealth Africa.

eHA Academy is transforming lives and influencing the future of Africa’s digital economy with its dedication to innovation and education. As more students have access to high-quality tech education, other industries will be impacted, which will help Nigeria and other countries grow economically and advance technologically.

Delivering Every Dose: How Smarter Vaccine Systems Are Saving Lives in Africa

Posted on February 28, 2025July 7, 2025 by Tijesu Ojumu

Tijesu Ojumu

Vaccines have long been one of humanity’s greatest health success stories. They’ve helped us wipe out deadly diseases, keep children healthy, and respond to emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. But what happens when vaccines don’t reach the people who need them?

Across many parts of Africa, health workers face an invisible challenge: vaccine wastage. This occurs when vaccines are lost, spoiled, or expire before they can be used. Sometimes, it’s because of unreliable power, poor storage, or long travel delays. Other times, it’s simply because more vaccines were sent than were needed and by the time they’re opened, they’ve already gone to waste.

For communities where every dose counts, vaccine wastage doesn’t just cost money. It costs trust. And lives. This was the focus of a powerful Insights Webinar hosted by eHealth Africa, where public health leaders, field experts, and digital health innovators came together to ask one question:
How can we make sure every vaccine reaches the people it was meant for, safely and on time?

The Problem: Wasted Doses, Missed Opportunities

When we think about vaccines, we often picture the jab, the moment of protection. But getting a vaccine to that moment involves a long, delicate journey: it must be stored at just the right temperature, tracked across distances, and kept safe until the moment it’s used.

In this journey, a lot can go wrong. One speaker at the webinar described how even a short power outage can spoil an entire batch. Another explained how, in some remote clinics, health workers open a vial expecting 10 children to show up but only 2 come. The rest of the doses? Tossed out. These are not rare issues. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 50% of vaccines can be wasted globally if systems aren’t strong.

The Good News: Smarter Tools Are Making a Difference

While the challenges are real, so is the progress. Across Nigeria and other African countries, digital solutions are helping health workers plan better, respond faster, and waste less.

Take Planfeld, for example, a tool developed by eHealth Africa. It helps local teams map out exactly where people live, how many doses are needed in each area, and how to deliver them efficiently. With better planning, fewer doses go to waste.

There’s also the rise of real-time temperature sensors. These small, smart devices sit inside vaccine coolers and alert health teams if temperatures become unsafe. That way, problems can be fixed before vaccines spoil. In areas without reliable electricity, solar-powered fridges are a game changer. These eco-friendly units are keeping vaccines safe in even the most remote villages.

Innovation Doesn’t Stop at Technology

Not all solutions are high-tech. In fact, some of the most effective fixes are surprisingly simple. Health workers shared stories of success from the field: planning vaccination days to match market days, making reminder calls to parents, checking expiry dates more often, and involving local leaders to boost turnout. Some clinics even use WhatsApp to coordinate last-minute deliveries between sites. “Digital systems are powerful,” one speaker said, “but it’s the people behind them who make them work.”

Why It Matters: Trust, Safety, and Equity

Reducing vaccine wastage isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s about protecting lives and building trust in healthcare systems. When people see vaccines are handled carefully, they feel safer getting them. And when health workers are supported with the right tools, they can serve their communities with confidence. There’s also an issue of fairness. Every wasted dose is a missed chance to protect someone often in communities that already struggle with access. Smarter systems help ensure no one is left behind.

What’s Next?

The panelists ended the webinar with a clear message to governments, donors, and the public:
We must invest not just in vaccines but in the systems that deliver them. That includes:

Training for frontline health workers
Digital tools for planning and tracking
Cold chain infrastructure like fridges and coolers
Community engagement to reduce missed appointments

When we do this, we don’t just reduce waste. We increase impact.

One Dose at a Time

Africa is leading the way in turning vaccine challenges into opportunities for innovation. From the use of AI to plan smarter routes, to mobile clinics reaching the last mile, these efforts are not just saving money — they’re saving lives. Because behind every successful vaccination is a system that worked. A nurse who planned ahead. A delivery that was on time. A fridge that kept running. And a child who will grow up healthy, all because one dose made it through.

Let’s make sure every dose does.

Learn more about these efforts at ehealthafrica.org