How Planfeld Can Eradicate Perennial Vaccination Campaign Challenges – Primary Healthcare Workers

By Moshood Isah

Primary Healthcare workers during Planfeld workshop in Zamfara

Vaccination campaigns, especially in Nigeria, are a Herculean task, particularly when navigating complex and hard-to-reach terrains. From the planning stage, where primary healthcare workers identify households and calculate target populations for vaccination, the challenges are immense.

Khadija Ibrahim, a Ward Focal Person from Bagama A in Suleja Local Government Area (LGA), often braves rain and harsh weather conditions while moving from one community to another to identify households and target populations for vaccination. According to Khadija, although community leaders play crucial roles in identifying target populations, some gatekeepers can be reluctant due to a lack of incentives.

While community leaders need to support public health campaigns, Khadija lamented that “sometimes, your community leader does not want to accompany you, and you cannot enter without them.” This sometimes leads to inaccurate information and, in many cases, missed settlements during the vaccination campaign, which affects the spread of the Circulating Variant of Poliovirus and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

Due to the challenging terrain in rural areas, Ward Focal Persons often rely on motorcycles for transportation. “There was a year when I had an accident and dislocated my left wrist while distributing vaccines as early as 6 a.m.,” Khadija recalled. Given that all documentation for planning and implementing public health campaigns is done manually on paper, these documents are vulnerable to destruction by rain, accidents, or human errors.

“This manual method is difficult because sometimes you may go to a community and find that the number of children is not as high as the numbers given to us,” Abdullahi Muhammad, another Ward Focal Person, said. This affects reporting and vaccine management.

Muhammad supervises 14 vaccination teams, each visiting over 100 households for daily immunization rounds. He noted that “because the profiles of the settlements are captured manually, it’s difficult to understand the accessibility of these settlements, whether they are rural, urban, nomadic, or scattered.” These complications also impact the identification of starting points, midpoints, and endpoints during implementation.

The challenges in developing an effective microplan sometimes lead to the postponement of vaccination campaigns. Thus, the introduction of Planfeld—designed to enhance the planning of vaccination campaigns and ensure every child has access to the polio vaccine and other routine immunization services—comes at an opportune time.

Muhammad is among the first healthcare workers to express excitement about the Planfeld pilot. “Planfeld saves time; rather than spending four to five days developing a microplan, we can achieve it in just a few minutes,” he said.

Echoing this sentiment, Usman Abubakar, the Niger State Immunization Officer (SIO), remarked that the Planfeld pilot workshop is timely. He noted that digitizing micro plans will significantly address the issue of resource allocation, which he considers one of the most challenging tasks in his 20 years in the health sector.

Having spent nearly two decades leading and supporting vaccination campaigns across the state, Khadija, Umar, Usman, and other unsung heroes of public health interventions share one common aspiration.

eHealth Africa is dedicated to advancing digital health innovations through a user-centered approach, aiming to meet the needs and aspirations of underserved communities.

5 Lessons from the Planfeld Pilot Workshop Across Six States in Nigeria

By Moshood Isah

eHealth Africa team, partners and Stakeholders from the Kaduna State Primary Healthcare

Between August and September 2024, eHealth Africa’s Disease Prevention and Monitoring team conducted a comprehensive pilot workshop for its innovative digital solution, Planfeld. The tool is designed to enhance the planning of vaccination campaigns and ensure that every child has access to the polio vaccine and other routine immunization services. During the workshop, held in Kaduna, Niger, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi States, eHealth Africa exposed over 350 primary healthcare workers, partners, and stakeholders to the efficacy of Planfeld in planning vaccination campaigns with greater speed and accuracy.

The impactful workshop, funded by the Gates Foundation, provided stakeholders with the opportunity to give insightful feedback during the tool’s demonstration. Here are some key lessons learned:

1. Time Management: Reducing Vaccination Plan Development from 5 Days to 10 Minutes

In all six states where Planfeld was piloted, Ward Focal Persons managing vaccination campaigns reported that developing a micro plan typically took between three to five days. This process involved manually collecting data from communities and engaging with local gatekeepers to identify target households and populations (children aged 0-59 months). However, with Planfeld, an updated Master List of Settlements, and input from primary healthcare providers, a near-accurate micro plan could be generated in just five minutes. Umar Muhammed, a Ward Focal Person in Niger State, noted, “If Planfeld works perfectly, it will solve all our challenges, as it can generate micro plans within a few minutes.”

Similarly, Victor Obagunlu from Solina, who attended the workshop in Kaduna State, said, “Planfeld is beneficial because it significantly reduces the time and energy spent on developing micro plans.”

2. Effective Resource Management and Allocation for Vaccination Campaigns

The workshop highlighted that with an accurate Master List of Settlements (MLoS) uploaded into Planfeld, the right number of vaccination teams can be effectively assigned to households. According to Friday Daniel, eHealth Africa’s Associate Manager supporting this intervention, “Accurately assigning vaccination teams to the right number of settlements will reduce undue burden and ensure every household is reached within the vaccination period.” Like many digital innovations, Planfeld relies on data for better decision-making, ensuring both financial and human resources are effectively utilized.

3. State Primary Healthcare Leaders Are Open to New Innovations

Dr. Larai Aliyu Tambuwal, Executive Secretary of the Sokoto State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), summarized the views of other agency leaders by stating, “The integration of digital innovation in primary healthcare services will significantly improve precision in delivering vaccines to every settlement, ensuring comprehensive coverage.”

Key stakeholders at the state level were generally receptive to digitizing the microplanning process to enhance its quality. Mustapha Aliyu Alinkilo, Director of Disease Prevention and Control in Zamfara State, commented, “Technology will enhance the quality of microplanning in the state, and deploying the monitoring aspect of Planfeld will ensure a near-perfect vaccination campaign.”

4. User-Centric Approach Is Key to Success of Digital Innovations

To ensure an effective transition from manual to digital microplanning, eHealth Africa’s Program Manager Abubakar Shehu emphasized the importance of involving all relevant parties during the planning phase. “We brought in key players in the generation of micro plans at the state level, led by the Incident Manager and the State Immunization Officer for both Polio and routine immunization,” Abubakar said. Key partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), and SOLINA, participated in the pilot workshop.

A crucial lesson learned from the Planfeld demonstrations is that understanding and prioritizing the needs, preferences, and behaviors of users is essential when developing digital innovations. Feedback from over 350 prospective end-users has highlighted areas for optimization to ensure that the Planfeld application resonates with its target audience.

5. Opportunity for Optimization of Planfeld

As with any digital solution, Planfeld has room for optimization. After the workshop in Niger State, the State Immunization Officer (SIO) Usman Abubakar Kpantu suggested that Planfeld be optimized to include the allocation of accurate resources and commodities, especially vaccines, to various settlements. Abubakar recommended, “Micro plan structures should accommodate advocacy, communication, and social mobilization tools to promote ownership of vaccination campaigns across communities.”

Other stakeholders advised that Planfeld should identify the exact number of households and children a vaccination team should expect to cover during daily activities. This, they believe, will further enhance planning accuracy and ensure that no child is left unvaccinated.

Overall, as agreed by all stakeholders during the Planfeld pilot workshop across the six states, an accurate Master List of Settlements is crucial for developing effective micro plans. An accurate micro plan remains vital for reaching every household and target population with the appropriate vaccines. Therefore, primary healthcare providers and community gatekeepers play essential roles in collecting and disseminating accurate information. This will help ensure that technical partners like eHealth Africa use the right information to support vaccination campaigns, as efforts continue to eliminate the Circulating Variant Poliovirus and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

Building Resilience: How eHealth Africa Sets Up Emergency Operations Centers in Conflict Zones

By Favour Oriaku

In today’s world, robust health systems are essential in ensuring the health and safety of populations, particularly in regions prone to disease outbreaks. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a strong health system is key to achieving universal health coverage, and one of the pillars of such systems is the ability to manage health emergencies effectively. This is where Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) come in, acting as crucial hubs for coordinating responses to health crises. In countries like Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where security challenges and infrastructure deficiencies are prevalent, setting up these centers is not just about logistics—it’s a herculean task that requires resilience, resourcefulness, and a deep understanding of local dynamics.

eHealth Africa is at the frontline of strengthening health systems through its Polio Outbreak Control Rooms (POCR) project. This initiative, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), aims to equip governments across Africa with the tools needed to combat polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Over the past two and a half years (March 2022 – June 2024), eHealth Africa has successfully set up more than 24 POCRs across countries like Cameroon, Somalia, the DRC, and Niger, Tanzania among others. The scope of the project includes constructing or renovating facilities to become POCR, training government-assigned staff on basic EOC operations management, providing IT and GIS/mapping support, and offering assistance for high-level national meetings and public health campaigns. While this work is essential in peaceful nations, it takes on an entirely new dimension in fragile and conflict-affected regions like Somalia and the DRC, where insecurity and logistical difficulties have become part of the daily routine.

For eHealth Africa’s Operations Leads (OLs), setting up these centers in Somalia and the DRC meant facing these difficulties head-on. Abukhasim Salisu, who was part of the operations in these countries, highlighted how complex the process was: “The major challenge was security-wise because Somalia is a very fragile country with regard to security. We had to be extremely careful when dealing with vendors… We were very cautious to ensure we were not dealing with insurgent groups.”

In the DRC, the vastness of the country compounded logistical issues. “DR Congo is about two and a half times the size of Nigeria. Sometimes it could take two to three days just to get from one location to another. The logistical challenges, combined with the limited number of operational airlines, made transportation very difficult,” said Abukhasim.
Security issues in these regions inevitably impacted the timelines for project completion. In Somalia, movement restrictions delayed progress. “In Somalia, movement restrictions delayed the project. In the DRC, it was the logistics. Items could take up to two to three months to arrive, and some arrived damaged, which impacted our delivery timelines,” Abukhasim noted.

Atiku Haruna, another Operations Lead, echoed similar sentiments: “In Somalia, movement across cities requires a security clearance every time we go from point A to point B, always with a well-armored escort. The movement of services and goods to the sites is equally challenging.”

In regions of high-security risks, resilience is not just a desirable quality, it’s a necessity. Both OLs recounted incidents that tested their resolve and commitment to the project. Abukhasim shared a harrowing experience during a flight: “We crash-landed, and the aircraft stopped right on the runway. That incident made me think deeply about my life, my job, and the risks we face. But despite these dangers, the work had to continue.” Atiku, too, faced life-threatening situations: “One of the incidents that tested me was when our aircraft refused to fly after landing, and I had to witness the repair in my presence.”

While security was a major obstacle, engaging with local communities and authorities was equally crucial to the success of these projects. Both OLs emphasized the importance of cultural adaptation. “In DR Congo, my ability to speak the local language gave me a big advantage. I could identify as Congolese, which made it easier to navigate and gain trust from the local authorities and communities,” said Abukhasim. Atiku added: “Learning the basics of the Somali language was key. This language unlocks societal freedom and helps build rapport.”

Despite the daunting challenges, the rewards of setting up these EOCs are immeasurable. The OLs took immense pride in their work, knowing they were making a difference in regions that desperately needed health system support. Abukhasim reflected on the scale of his accomplishments: “Being able to lead the set up of 11 EOCs across different countries is a huge achievement for me. It’s something I’ll always look back on with pride, even after my time at eHealth Africa.” For Atiku, the most rewarding aspect was seeing the tangible results of his efforts: “The most rewarding part is seeing my achievements across locations that have proven to be difficult.”

Atiku also shared how significant the EOC project has been for Somalia: “In Somalia, it may seem like just a mere building, but it’s a turnaround, a whole ministry, and its staff were in a rented location with no idea how to develop their building. Shortly after, through eHA’s technical expertise and funding from the BMGF, we were able to build seven EOCs that can comfortably accommodate both the EOCs staff and the Ministry, strengthening coordination of public health interventions.”

Both OLs have valuable advice for those embarking on similar projects in security-challenged regions. Abukhasim advised: “My advice is to always develop security consciousness. No matter how much you prepare, the actual scenario can be very different. You have to be aware of your environment, and security must always be a top priority.” Atiku’s advice was simpler but no less critical: “Stay out of any form of trouble.”

Setting up Emergency Operations Centers in security-challenged regions is a task filled with complexities, risks, and challenges, but it’s a mission that eHealth Africa undertakes with commitment and resilience. The success of the POCR project in countries like Somalia and the DRC is a testament to the dedication of the teams involved, who continue to strengthen the health systems of these countries under some of the most difficult conditions imaginable. Through their efforts, eHealth Africa is helping governments build lasting public health infrastructure that can save lives and manage health crises more effectively.

Balancing Work and Parenthood: A Day at the Office with the Little Ones

By Favour Oriaku and Uforo Umoh

Building a more vibrant, secure, and sustainable future is important to eHealth Africa (eHA). And a key part of that mission is engaging the next generation with real-life work experiences. Where better to do that than around their heroes—their parents? Bringing kids into the office might conjure up images of chaos: papers scattered everywhere, loud noise, and maybe even crayon drawings on the walls. But at eHA, “Bring Your Kids to Work” day has turned into a big hit that everyone looks forward to—kids, parents, and colleagues alike.

For the past two years, eHA has been hosting “Bring Your Kids to Work” days. This event gives families a chance to learn more about what we do, understand our culture, and see our mission in action. We recently held our second edition, and it was a huge success! The office was buzzing with excitement as staff members welcomed their children into the workplace, creating a unique day filled with learning, creativity, and lots of laughter.

The day was jam-packed with activities to engage and educate the children. There were career talks where professionals shared insights into different career paths, inspiring the kids to think about their own futures. Health tips were provided, thanks to the eHA Clinics, where the children learned about healthy living and even received vaccinations. They had a chance to ask questions about what their parents do at work, giving them a better understanding of the “mystery” behind the job titles. A campus tour allowed the kids to explore the office space, and creative painting sessions gave them the chance to unleash their imaginations. Of course, it wouldn’t be a kids’ day without playtime—bouncing castles were set up, and they were a big hit. Throughout the day, there were plenty of snacks and a delicious lunch to keep everyone energized. Each child left with wonderful gifts to remember the day by, a little piece of the organization’s branded materials to take home.

The event was about more than just fun, though. As Mr. Adesina, our HR Manager at eHealth Africa’s Kano HQ, put it, “This event was inspired by the HR team to bring families together, seeing that the staff are usually busy with a lot of work. It was also an avenue for the kids to meet other family members of eHA and for the children to see where their parents work, what they do, and integrate family life with work. We want to make sure our staff feel a sense of belonging. After the maiden edition, staff wanted it to be an annual event, hence the second edition.” He continued, “One of the intentions of this event was to educate staff kids on healthy living and career choices. Thanks to Dr. Ben Igbinosa, our Director of Finance and Administration (DFA), and eHA Clinics, these goals were achieved. There is an improvement from last year’s edition with the inclusion of health talks and vaccinations. We have plans to accommodate hybrid and remote staff, using technology as eHA is technology-driven. I appreciate the Executive team and staff for their support to the HR team and for making their children available for the event.”

Safety was a top priority for us during the event. Regina, our Associate HR Manager at eHealth Africa’s Kano HQ, highlighted this, saying, “What stood out for me is ensuring a safe space for the kids. Though eHA is always a safe space, with children, extra attention was needed. Knowing that kids love to explore their environment, we worked to seal up all electrical points.” We wanted to create a memorable experience, so each child went home with gifts to remember the day. “As one of the best places to work, our goal is to make eHA a family-friendly organization, so the ‘Bring Your Kids to Work’ event speaks to that,” Regina added.

Linda, our Senior HR Coordinator in the Abuja office, explained that this event is part of our corporate social responsibility towards our staff. “eHA believes in the power of shared experiences and the value of family,” she said. “Bringing your kids to work is a fun activity for the children while also showing our commitment to creating and supporting an inclusive workplace for all our staff. It also helps us recognize work-life balance, which is part of our culture.” Linda praised our staff for their ability to balance work and family life, noting, “Parents, especially those who have a professional career, are doing so well. I commend eHA staff for being able to balance their work with family life.”

At eHealth Africa, we know that our employees perform at their best when they can balance their professional and personal lives. Events like “Bring Your Kids to Work” not only provide a fun day for the children but also strengthen the bond between employees and the organization. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event and many more opportunities to celebrate our staff and their families.

eHealth Africa Pilots Digital Innovation to Boost Planning of Public Health Campaigns

By Moshood Isah

One of the key lessons from the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, according to the World Health Organization, is that countries with effective plans fared better than those without. This principle applies broadly to every vaccination campaign and public healthcare intervention. Thus, the consistent effort to reach every settlement across Nigeria with vaccination and general public health services seems to be an unending journey. While the conventional challenges, especially in Northern Nigeria, revolve around vaccine hesitancy and insecurity, experience also reveals that a lack of accurate data for planning and resource allocation may be impacting on vaccination and public health campaigns.

A recent conversation with primary healthcare workers in Northern Nigeria revealed that a lack of accurate data remains a major reason why it is increasingly difficult to reach every settlement with vaccination activities. Additionally, the complex nature of micro-planning contributes significantly to this challenge. These healthcare workers, consisting of Local Government Area (LGA) and Ward Focal Persons responsible for planning vaccinations, revealed that it takes up to six days to manually develop a micro plan for health campaigns. Despite these efforts, the plans remain vulnerable to human errors, resulting in varying degrees of inaccuracy.

Primary healthcare workers and partners reviewing master list of settlement

According to the World Health Organization, good data is crucial for mass-vaccination campaigns. Keeping it real-time and relevant requires the right software and systems. Recognizing that digitized data helps in planning and monitoring vaccination campaigns, eHealth Africa designed the Planfeld solution to enhance the planning of vaccination campaigns and ensure every child has access to the polio vaccine and other routine immunization services. 

Kicking off the Planfeld pilot workshop in Kaduna State, eHealth Africa’s Program Manager, Abubakar Shehu, and his team introduced the innovative application to primary healthcare workers and stakeholders. The demonstration showcased how Planfeld can streamline the creation of accurate micro plans and monitor vaccination activities more efficiently.

During the workshop, Abubakar explained, “The Planfeld application will allow us to know the exact number of settlements we are targeting, the number of children in those areas, and the amount of vaccine required for the activity. Previously, developing a micro plan manually, especially for polio vaccination, took at least four days. Now, with this digital tool, it takes less than 30 minutes.” 

Primary healthcare workers and partners reviewing master list of settlement

He further emphasized that digitizing micro-planning will ensure that more settlements are reached with essential public health interventions. The pilot workshop, according to him, is being conducted in Kaduna, Niger, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states. While appreciating the National and State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (N/SPHCDA), he said the organization looks forward to comments and feedback on how to further optimize the Planfeld solution to revolutionize the planning and execution of vaccination efforts.

Dr. Abdullahi Musa Garba, the Incident Manager of the Polio Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at the Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHCDA), expressed optimism about the successful deployment of the Planfeld application in the state. He highlighted that the digitization process would significantly improve accuracy in immunization efforts for polio and other diseases, minimizing errors that were common with manual micro-planning.

“Manual micro-planning is a difficult and error-prone process,” Dr. Garba explained. “With the deployment of the digitized micro plan, the work will become much easier for the teams managing immunization.”

Mr. Victor Obagunlu Adeleke, the Kaduna State team lead for polio outbreak intervention with the SOLINA Center for International Development and Research, emphasized the time-saving benefits and improved resource allocation that come with micro-plan digitization. “The significant reduction in time and energy spent on developing the micro-plan, coupled with the fact that it’s not a capital-intensive project, makes it a much easier process,” he explained.

Primary Healthcare workers reviewing master list of settlement

He further highlighted that the traditional micro-plan development process—from the settlement to the ward, then to the Local Government Areas , and finally the state—requires considerable time to aggregate data across these levels. “With digitization, however, real-time analysis becomes possible,” Mr. Adeleke noted. “You can monitor data entry from the settlement or ward level and receive immediate feedback even at the state level.”

Microplanning is critically essential in the health sector. Thus, digitization of micro plans will enhance the capacity of the State and LGA team, facilitate a sustainable geodataba

A New Dawn in Blood Supply Management Championed by eHealth Africa

By Favour Oriaku

In times of crisis—whether it be a natural disaster, armed conflict, or a large-scale public health emergency—the demand for safe and quality-assured blood and blood products rises dramatically. Ensuring a steady supply of these life-saving resources is crucial to maintaining healthcare systems, saving lives, and preventing further destabilization in an already chaotic environment. Without adequate blood supplies, the consequences can be devastating.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), safe blood saves lives and improves health, but millions of patients requiring transfusion do not have timely access to safe blood. Ensuring the availability of safe blood products is particularly crucial during emergencies. Globally, approximately 118.54 million blood donations are collected each year. However, managing this enormous volume of donations without a streamlined electronic process for collection and tracking can lead to serious challenges.

Recognizing the pressing need for innovation in blood supply systems, eHealth Africa, in partnership with the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative—the Blood Information System for Crisis Intervention and Management (BISKIT) AKTH Pilot Project. This project, supported by the eHealth Africa Board, aims to digitize and streamline the process of blood collection, management, and distribution, ensuring that safe blood is always available before, during, and after crises.

According to Francis Ayo, the project manager, “This groundbreaking initiative is exploring a key question: How can digital solutions help ensure a sufficient supply of safe and quality-assured blood and blood products before, during, and after a crisis? In an attempt to answer this question, eHealth Africa, in collaboration with other consortium partners, developed the Blood Information System for Crisis Intervention and Management (BISKIT) app.”

Empowering Healthcare Professionals through Training

Last week, eHealth Africa successfully conducted a pilot training session for AKTH medical doctors, laboratory scientists, and other healthcare professionals. This training marked a pivotal moment in the project’s timeline, laying the foundation for the digital transformation of blood supply management in Northern Nigeria. The participants’ expertise and engagement were vital as they collectively embarked on a mission to strengthen the blood supply chain through cutting-edge technology.

The training, which focused on the BISKIT system, helped participants deepen their understanding of the app’s functionalities and their role in improving the safety and availability of blood. It also gave them the opportunity to explore the app’s potential for collecting, analyzing, and visualizing blood supply data to generate insights that can influence decision-making, policy advocacy, and long-term strategies in healthcare.

One participant, Dr. Yahaya Ibrahim, a medical doctor at AKTH, expressed his satisfaction with the BISKIT app: “The app is user-friendly and easy to navigate. I foresee it significantly improving access to safe blood during critical moments.” His reflection encapsulates the thoughtful work that went into developing the BISKIT app to meet the needs of healthcare providers on the front lines of crises.

Williams Isong Akpan, the Deputy Director of Medical Laboratory Services at AKTH, was impressed by how the system allowed for task-specific roles and completion sign-offs. He remarked, “What stood out for me during the training was the seamless sign-off after completing each task and the allotment of different roles in the BISKIT system. This shows that a lot of thought was given to streamlining the blood donation chain, ensuring efficiency.”

Similarly, Abimbola Ajayi, the Assistant Chief Medical Laboratory Scientist at AKTH, noted the potential impact on patient care. “The BISKIT app will definitely improve the turnaround time for patients receiving our services. Overall, it will enhance the effectiveness of our services, making us more responsive to patients’ needs.”

Looking to the Future

The successful pilot training is just the beginning. The official launch of the BISKIT application in Kano State is underway, and expectations are high for the role the app will play in modernizing blood supply systems. The potential to capture data on blood donors and health workers, analyze trends, and visualize key metrics offers healthcare providers powerful tools to not only respond effectively during crises but also prepare for them.

The BISKIT app is about more than just blood. It is about hope, preparedness, and the power of technology to save lives. With the combined efforts of eHealth Africa, AKTH, and other stakeholders, the future of blood supply management is brighter, safer, and more resilient.

As we look ahead, we are reminded of the words of Francis Ayo: “At the heart of every crisis is an opportunity to innovate, and the BISKIT app is one of those innovations that will change the way we think about blood supply management. The goal is simple but profound: to save lives.”

In a world where the unexpected is always around the corner, tools like the BISKIT app will ensure that when the next crisis comes, we are prepared to respond with speed, efficiency, and compassion.

This project will undoubtedly revolutionize blood supply management, not just in Kano but potentially across Nigeria and beyond. The commitment to innovation and resilience shown by all the stakeholders involved is a powerful testament to what can be achieved when technology meets healthcare.

Advancing Public Healthcare with Digital Innovations: Lessons from Insights Learning Forum 2024

By Moshood Isah

In recent times, the focus of conversations in digital health forums has increasingly centered around optimizing and integrating existing solutions to enhance surveillance, preparedness, and impact. This is not unconnected to the fact that the world and especially the African region has endured a series of public health emergencies and disease outbreaks which required urgent responses.

The World Health Organization also echoed that the 21st century health challenges like the pandemic have further accelerated the use of digital health interventions, including hotlines, online assistance, mobile phone applications and many more. These innovations have shown potential in reducing the interruption of Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and mental health services, making it necessary to continue scaling up digital health technology.

    Panelists at the Insights Learning Forum 2024

Health stakeholders have consistently taken intentional steps to stimulate ideas and expand advocacy to improve the impact of these solutions, especially when it comes to disease surveillance. One such conversation is the Insights Learning Forum (ILF 2024) hosted by eHealth Africa with the theme; “Digital Transformation in public Health practice: Innovations and Impact”.

Reflecting on the theme of this event, the Deputy Director of Partnerships and Programs Dr. David Akpan raised critical questions on the perceived values and the role of stakeholders in ensuring digital innovation to thrive in public health. He also raised concerns around the investment being made to promote digital innovation and the impact criteria investors are focusing on. He emphasized, “we want to do this  because we want to make that grandmother and other persons in the rural community have access to quality healthcare. It’s what they call equitable access that removes all barriers”. To achieve this, “you need to do the human-centered design approach, which takes the people into consideration when you’re developing any form of innovation”, he stated. Thus he called for the need to document diverse salients points and outcomes from  various digital health forums for the purpose of effective advocacy.

Speaking during the event, eHealth Africa’s Director of Partnerships and Programs  Ota Akhigbe said, the event is beyond a conversation on digital innovations but  a platform to advocate for a unified approach to digital transformation, emphasizing the importance of integrity in data usage.  She revealed that,  “The ILF serves as an advocacy tool to raise awareness and engage government agencies, ensuring that these innovations receive the necessary support and funding”. According to Ota, this collaborative approach between the private sector and government agencies is vital for the successful implementation of digital health solutions.

Panelists at the Insights Learning Forum 2024

She lauded the positive body language of Government at all levels to support and advance digital innovation in primary healthcare. This, according to her, is why the Insights Learning Forum is an opportunity for the stakeholders to communicate their needs and expectations to government representatives, ensuring that policies are aligned with the sector’s evolving needs.

Speaking on why it’s vital for the government to continuously support digital innovations in health sector, Incident Manager, Polio Emergency Operation Center in Katsina state Dr Kabir Sulaiman said,  It is very important for us to know that, we need to embrace this era of digital technology that is currently transforming the paper based routine to electronic database. According to the Incident Manager, “Digital innovations will support the strengthening of health systems because some of these digital tools are currently being used in Nigeria.” For instance, “the Surveillance Outbreak Response and Analysis System (SORMAS), which was deployed to the state for reporting priority diseases, has brought about transformation in terms of real-time data and decision-making. So, when you look at the importance, you know there is a lot that we are going to benefit from this technology,” he reiterated.

Through a diverse array of plenary sessions, panel discussions, and track sessions, the Insights Learning  Forum 2024, empowered individuals, groups, and organizations to harness digital technologies to address emerging challenges and drive positive change in public health systems in Africa.

Uniting Against Circulating Variant Poliovirus: Traditional Leaders Lead the Way

by Moshood Isah

A visit to Sokoto State, Nigeria’s historical Caliphate, is always an intriguing experience, despite the often challenging weather. The city’s rich history complements the profound respect held for its traditional and religious institutions, which are similarly revered across Northern Nigeria. These esteemed leaders have consistently played pivotal roles in public health initiatives.

According to the World Health Organisation, the strategic partnership with traditional leaders in Northern Nigeria since 2009 has been instrumental in eradicating the wild poliovirus in the country. Professor Oyewale Tomori, Chairman of the Expert Review Committee on Polio Eradication, emphasized that overlooking these influential community figures would have been a colossal error.

eHealth Africa supporting engagement of Traditional leaders in the fight against Polio

While these institutions were crucial in eliminating wild poliovirus in 2020, the emergence of the Circulating Variant Poliovirus demands a redoubled effort. To combat this new threat, traditional institutions across Northern Nigeria are being strategically deployed. Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), eHealth Africa is collaborating with the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development and other partners to engage these leaders in polio campaign activities.

Haruna Yusuf Aliyu, Senior Program Officer at the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development, highlighted the significant role of traditional leaders in a sensitization workshop held in Wammako Local Government Area. He revealed that many are spearheading vaccination campaigns directly from their palaces, which has significantly reduced vaccine hesitancy and boosted uptake.

“You can see traditional leaders going house to house, supervising vaccination teams and resolving cases of non-compliance while providing guidance to the teams to make sure that all households are actually identified, enumerated,  then eligible children in those houses are vaccinated”, he said.

Through ongoing sensitization workshops, traditional leaders are equipped with the knowledge and tools to effectively communicate the importance of vaccination to their communities. Despite security challenges in some areas, Yusuf emphasized the organization’s commitment to working closely with community groups and traditional leaders to reach all children with essential vaccines.

eHealth Africa team after a meeting with Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development in Sokoto

Fatimah Howeidy, eHealth Africa’s Project Manager, expressed pride in supporting the Sultan Foundation and other partners to reduce vaccine hesitancy through the involvement of traditional leaders. The initiative has successfully bridged knowledge gaps and dispelled myths surrounding polio vaccination, particularly in underserved communities.

“It’s so inspiring seeing traditional leaders in Sokoto state turn out in their numbers to participate in the polio campaign activities” she said.  We are indeed excited that this intervention remains a  platform to remind traditional leaders of the need to intensify the campaign to eradicate the Circulating Variant Poliovirus (cVPV2)”, she said.  

The Engagement of Traditional Institutions (ETI) project aims to strengthen advocacy by traditional leaders, increase community ownership of polio eradication efforts, and reduce vaccine hesitancy in high-risk Northern states. There are plans to expand the initiative to Southern Nigeria.

Shaping the Future of Public Health: Key Takeaways from ILF 2024

By Favour Oriaku

The atmosphere at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja was electric on July 31st, as public health professionals, digital innovators, policymakers, and enthusiastic participants gathered for the Insights Learning Forum (ILF) 2024. With the theme “Digital Transformation in Public Health Practice: Innovations and Impact,” the forum became a pivotal event focused on the future of public health in Africa. It was more than just a gathering of professionals—it was a call to action for those committed to reshaping healthcare through technology.

The day began with a heartfelt welcome from Atef Fawaz, Executive Director of eHealth Africa, whose words set the collaborative tone for the day. “Let’s make this an avenue for exchanging information, ideas, and learning from each other,” he said. “We can only improve the system, outcomes, and impact by collaborating and sharing our knowledge.” His sentiment echoed through the room, creating an atmosphere of unity and shared purpose as participants prepared to engage in deep discussions and innovative thinking.

Ota Akhigbe, Director of Partnerships and Programs at eHealth Africa, followed with opening remarks that emphasized the importance of the event. “This is more than just a conference; it’s a convergence of strategic minds focused on reshaping the public health landscape in Nigeria,” she stated. Her words ignited excitement as participants anticipated the wealth of insights that awaited them.

The keynote address, delivered by Adam Thompson, Co-founder of eHealth Africa and CEO of EHA Clinics, painted a vivid picture of how far digital health innovation has come over the last 15 years. Reflecting on the journey, he remarked, “We recognized the massive issue of quality, not just access, in healthcare. Our goal was to deliver exceptional, patient-centered primary care.” Thompson highlighted the role of digital tools like GetCare, which have enhanced team-based care and improved communication between healthcare providers, underscoring the need for quality-driven approaches in public health.

Dr. David Akpan, Deputy Director of Partnerships and Programs at eHealth Africa, expanded on the event’s theme, stressing the urgency of embracing digital innovations in public health. “Digital innovation is crucial to enhancing public health care, and this is something we are committed to advancing,” he affirmed. His insights laid the groundwork for the technical sessions that would delve into the complexities and possibilities of digital health.

The technical sessions were a cornerstone of ILF 2024, featuring presentations that sparked thought and conversation. Emeka Chukwu from the Digital Health Interoperability Network (DHIN) underscored the importance of data accessibility in healthcare. “Interoperability is key. When data is accessible across various points of care, patients can be more informed about their health,” he remarked, highlighting the need for integrated digital systems.

Another powerful moment came when Engr. Kaka Sanusi, representing Dr. Kashifu Inuwa of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), spoke about the challenges Nigeria faces in healthcare and the role of accurate data in overcoming them. “Digital collaboration is crucial. Joining resources can accelerate digital innovation in Nigeria’s public health space,” he emphasized, shedding light on the potential of technology to solve systemic issues.

Dayo Akinleye from eHealth Africa introduced the Logistic Management Information System (LoMIS), a game-changing tool that has improved vaccine distribution across Nigeria. “LoMIS has facilitated the delivery of 17 million vaccines, ensuring continuous accountability in vaccine distribution,” he shared, illustrating how digital tools are making a tangible impact in critical healthcare areas.

The panel discussion titled “Scaling Up Digital Health Innovations – Overcoming Implementation Challenges and Achieving Sustainability” was equally engaging. Moderated by Abdulhamid Yahaya, Deputy Director, Global Health Informatics (GHI) & IT at eHealth Africa, the session brought diverse perspectives to the forefront. Njide Ndili, Country Director of PharmAccess Nigeria, pointed out the need for healthcare access in underserved communities. “Proper interoperability and government involvement are essential for the sustainability of digital health solutions,” she noted, reinforcing the importance of systemic support.

Dr. Ifunanya Ilodibe, VP of EHA Clinics, spoke about the necessity of user-friendly tools in healthcare. “Tools for improvement should be simple to use to ensure continuous adoption in healthcare,” she said, emphasizing the role of accessibility in successful innovation.

The excitement for the future was palpable as the forum drew to a close. Dr. David Akpan’s closing remarks were filled with gratitude and hope. “Thank you once again for your support and for being a part of ILF 2024. We look forward to staying connected and continuing our collective journey towards digital innovation and transformation in public health,” he concluded, leaving participants with a sense of accomplishment and a shared commitment to driving change.

The Insights Learning Forum 2024 was not just an event; it was a movement, a catalyst for transformation in public health. The discussions and ideas exchanged have set the stage for future innovations that will tackle urgent challenges and create lasting impact across Africa. As we move forward, the commitment to leveraging digital technologies for public health remains unwavering, and the connections forged at ILF 2024 will continue to inspire collaboration, innovation, and meaningful change.

Connect, Learn, Innovate: Why You Should Attend the Insights Learning Forum (ILF) 2024

By Favour Oriaku

Connect, Learn, Innovate: Why You Should Attend ILF 2024

Africa is on the brink of a healthcare transformation, one driven by the power of digital innovation. The Insights Learning Forum (ILF) is at the forefront of this movement, catalyzing collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the development of groundbreaking solutions.

Born from the success of the Insights by eHA webinar series, ILF has rapidly evolved into an indispensable platform for digital and public health professionals. As Dr. David Akpan, Deputy Director of Programs and Partnerships at eHA, aptly stated, “We are building a national collaboration with this forum to advance knowledge and give people the opportunity to learn what other ideas can be incorporated into their digital innovations. This whole essence is to ensure that we are all building people-centered digital solutions that are scalable and interoperable.”

At its core, ILF is a community of passionate individuals united by a shared vision of a healthier Africa. It’s a space where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are forged, and challenges are transformed into opportunities. By bringing together experts from diverse backgrounds, ILF fosters a rich environment for learning and growth.

The 2024 edition of ILF promises to be even more impactful, with a focus on “Digital Transformaton in Public Health Practice: Innovations and Impact.” As Atef Fawaz, eHealth Africa’s executive director, emphasized, “This high-level forum will bring together digital and public health experts from across the world to harness the power of technology and collaboration in pioneering groundbreaking solutions to address the evolving health challenges facing Africa.”

One of the key areas of focus at ILF 2024 is the optimization of geospatial data for disaster response and public health preparedness. By leveraging location-based information, healthcare providers and policymakers can better anticipate and respond to emergencies, saving lives and minimizing the impact of crises.

Another critical theme is mastering public health emergency management. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of robust emergency response plans. ILF 2024 will delve into best practices and strategies for effectively managing public health crises, ensuring that Africa is better prepared for future challenges.

Digital campaigns play a vital role in promoting health and preventing diseases. ILF will explore innovative approaches to digital campaign planning and monitoring, empowering organizations to reach and engage communities effectively. Additionally, the forum will address the challenges and opportunities of disease prevention and surveillance, with a focus on early detection and response.

Food security is a pressing issue in many parts of Africa. ILF 2024 will showcase how digital solutions can be harnessed to improve food production, distribution, and access. Technology indeed can play a crucial role in ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food.

ILF offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, learn from experts, and contribute to building a healthier Africa. Whether you’re a seasoned digital health professional or just starting your journey, there’s something valuable for everyone at this event.

By attending ILF 2024, you’ll gain insights into the latest trends and innovations, network with influential leaders, and leave inspired to make a difference. Join us in shaping the future of healthcare in Africa.

  • Date: July 31, 2024
  • Time: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Location: Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria
  • Register now to attend virtually: https://bit.ly/ILF24-Online

Let’s work together to create a future where technology empowers communities and improves lives.