Category: Blog

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

Posted on by Moshood Isah

– 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

Posted on by Moshood Isah

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

Posted on by Favour Oriaku

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

Posted on by Moshood Isah

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.

eHealth Africa Merges LoMIS Solutions for a More Efficient Healthcare System

Posted on by Favour Oriaku

By Favour Oriaku

In a major advancement for digital health, eHealth Africa (eHA) combines its LoMIS Stock and LoMIS Deliver solutions into a unified platform called LoMIS Suite. This effort is backed by the Digital Health Innovation Accelerator Program (DHIAP), launched in 2021 by the WFP Innovation Accelerator and BMZ digilab, an initiative of the German government’s development agency (BMZ) in collaboration with GIZ, KfW (the German development bank), and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

In 2023, eHA’s project was chosen as one of five finalists for the WFP Sprint Programme, granting them financial aid, mentorship, and access to a network of experts and stakeholders for knowledge sharing.

These initiatives empower eHA to go beyond just technology. We envision a future where healthcare is reliable and accessible for everyone. This future empowers mothers to protect their children from preventable diseases, equips healthcare workers with dependable data and supply chains, and grants communities the healthcare they deserve.

Successful User Acceptance Testing of LoMIS Suite

To further this initiative, eHealth Africa conducted User Acceptance Testing (UAT) of the LoMIS Suite in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. The UAT included training on new features, a live application demonstration, test scenarios, user feedback sessions, and final approvals.

Participants included prominent figures like Dr. Larai Aliyu Tambuwal (Executive Secretary, Sokoto State Primary Healthcare Development Agency), Dr. Bilyaminu Balarabe Sifawa (Director of Disease Control and Immunization, Sokoto), and Abdullahi Abubakar Danzabuwa (Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Kano State), among others.

According to Dayo Akinleye, the technical project lead, “The new LoMIS Suite offers a single administrative interface, stock validation, notification alerts, and equipment maintenance features to enhance user experience and boost last-mile efficiency.” The session was highly interactive, with participants sharing their expectations and expressing satisfaction with the LoMIS Suite.

“The application will simplify our work and improve overall efficiency,” said Dr. Larai Aliyu Tambuwal. “It also fosters accountability and transparency in our operations.”

Collaboration Drives Innovation

Following the training, Fatima Howeidy, the WFP LoMIS Accelerator Project manager, led a tour of the eHealth Africa office in Abuja. The delegation was welcomed by top executives, including board member Andrew Karlyn, Executive Director Atef Fawaz, and directors from various departments.

Board member Andrew Karlyn expressed his appreciation to the stakeholders for their participation. He emphasized eHealth Africa’s commitment to developing digital solutions for public health, driven by user feedback and success stories. Ota Akhigbe, Director of Partnerships and Programs, stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration in advancing these solutions. She reiterated eHealth Africa’s openness to partnerships for the benefit of communities in Nigeria and Africa.

Dr. Larai Aliyu Tambuwal, representing the delegates, commended eHealth Africa’s management for their dedication to supporting healthcare advancements in Sokoto and Kano states, where LoMIS was previously piloted. She highlighted eHealth Africa’s unwavering support for primary healthcare in Sokoto, even when other organizations have withdrawn.

Transforming Healthcare with Digital Solutions

By merging LoMIS Stock and LoMIS Deliver, eHealth Africa isn’t just innovating, we are transforming healthcare across Nigeria and beyond. With continued support from initiatives like DHIAP and the WFP Sprint Programme, eHA strives to ensure every child thrives in good health, every healthcare worker has the best tools, and every community receives the healthcare they deserve. eHealth Africa’s journey exemplifies the power of digital solutions in achieving health equity and improving lives.

eHealth Africa’s Digital Innovation Takes Center Stage at the Africa Digital Health Summit (ADHS)

Posted on by Moshood Isah

by Moshood Isah

Nigeria and indeed the African region have continued to endure a series of public health emergencies, with the most recent being the cholera outbreak affecting more than 21 states. These and other issues necessitate engagement that brings stakeholders together to improve disease surveillance and response. One such engagement held recently was the Africa Digital Health Summit (ADHS). The summit is a platform for innovators, academics, entrepreneurs, researchers, regulators, policymakers, and development partners to share knowledge and experience in digital health across Africa.

The 2024 edition of the summit, with the theme “Digital Transformation of Health Systems: What, Why, and How?”, featured industry experts from around the world. In the presence of the Honorable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the Commissioner of Health in Lagos State, Prof. Akin Abayomi, eHealth Africa, and other organizations displayed crucial digital health solutions currently being used to address public health emergencies.

During the summit, eHealth Africa hosted a panel session where it discussed a series of digital innovations and how instrumental these solutions have been in public health and disease surveillance. The session, moderated by David Akpan, Deputy Director of Programs and Partnerships, featured Andrew Karlyn, a board member at eHealth Africa; Dr. Emmanuel Agogo, Director of Pandemic Threats at the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND); Dr. Monique Aaron Foster, Deputy Director of Programs at the Sierra Leone Division of Global Health Protection, Global Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Dr. Ubong Okon, Deputy Director of Programs and Impact at eHealth Africa; and Motunrayo Bello, Chief Executive Officer of Womenovate.

In the words of Atef Fawaz, the Executive Director of eHealth Africa, after the session, “Digital innovation is the future of health and the world in general. If we want to avoid the next pandemic, we must build on existing digital solutions. Technology has helped in responding to health emergencies in the past, and it will help in the future.”

Another key highlight of the event was the technical session moderated by Kazeem Balogun, Program Manager at eHealth Africa, which featured the demonstration of Electronic Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (eIDSR). As revealed by Deputy Director of Global Health Informatics and ICT Operations, Abdulhamid Yahaya, the eIDSR is an optimized system created to improve the flow of information within health systems. This allows accurate and early detection of disease outbreaks right from the communities to the highest level of intervention. According to Abdulhamid, “This is an opportunity to reignite and energize stakeholders to drive the utilization of the eIDSR solution to improve early detection of disease outbreaks in our communities.”

The demo session was preceded by a technical session on leveraging digital innovation to strengthen early warning systems for early detection of outbreaks using an ecosystem approach, led by Dr. Emmanuel Agogo. He explained the importance of effective data flow during disease surveillance and how it helps in developing early warning systems from the communities to health facilities, state, and national levels.

eHealth Africa team after a panel session at ADHS

While commending the insightful presentations, the Director of Programs and Partnerships at eHealth Africa, Ota Akhigbe, emphasized the need to consider all stakeholders playing an active role in promoting the early detection of disease outbreaks. She said the public sector is crucial in providing population data, while the private sector leverages its capabilities to develop innovative solutions and the academia contributes research to bring out learning points.

To reecho the words of Dr. Tunji Alausa, “Digital health innovation is no longer a luxury but a necessity.” Thus, conversations like this should remain at the forefront of national discourse. The conversation around digital health and the innovative use of digital technology in advancing public health cannot be overstated. In furtherance of this conversation, eHealth Africa is delighted to announce the second edition of the Insights Learning Forum, an annual event dedicated to advancing digital health in public health practice.

The 2024 edition of this high-level forum will be held on July 31st, 2024, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja with the theme “Digital Innovations in Public Health Practice: Innovations and Impact.”

Click here to learn more and register to attend.

OUTREACH: EHEALTH AFRICA, CLINIC COLLABORATE TO TACKLE NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

Posted on by eHealthAfricaAdmin

Disease Surveillance, Laboratory Systems, Health Delivery Systems, Polio Eradication, Public Health Emergency

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community Feedback

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

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

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

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

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

Tagged: Polio eradication

Trailblazing Excellence: Celebrating Trailblazers of the 2024 Womenovate Award

Posted on by Favour Oriaku

By Uforo Umoh

According to the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP), women represent only 34% of the workforce in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and in most STEM fields at the college level, men significantly outnumber women. The gender gap is particularly high in some of the fastest-growing and highest-paid jobs, like computer science and engineering. In recent times, in the ever-evolving world of technology, women are not just participating—they are leading, innovating, and reshaping the industry. To explore the dynamic contributions of women in Technology and Engineering, we spoke with a few trailblazers who are breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. Their stories are as diverse as their roles, but they share a common thread of resilience, passion, and pioneering spirit.


This year, the Womenovate 2024 Women in Technology and Engineering Award spotlighted some remarkable women who exemplify excellence in their fields. Some of the distinguished recipients include; Blessing Emmanuel, Diligence Saviour, and Maduabum Ogochukwu Ifeatu, all from eHealth Africa. The Women in Technology and Engineering Summit and Awards, a prestigious event put together by Womenovate, celebrates the groundbreaking contributions of women who are revolutionizing the fields of Engineering and Technology. Womenovate is a platform that provides Nigerian women the resources to build amazing careers and businesses in science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and mathematics (STEAM) industries.

Working in tech, a field traditionally dominated by men can present unique challenges for women. However, the experiences of these women highlight resilience and determination. For Blessing Emmanuel, an IT Support, her tech journey was inspired by the joy she finds in helping others resolve technical issues. “The satisfaction that comes from helping others is immensely rewarding,” she remarked.  According to Blessing, she has not faced any significant gender-based challenges in her career, crediting eHealth Africa’s inclusive culture. “I haven’t experienced any form of gender discrimination because I am a woman,” she said.

Diligence, on the other hand, shared an unsettling experience during the early days of her career when she had to climb a ladder to fix a surveillance camera. A passerby expressed outrage at seeing a woman performing such a task. “That situation unsettled me”, she shared. She used this experience as motivation to keep pushing forward in her career. She also recounted an incident where she was told after a job interview that the role was intended for a man. “I would have preferred a rejection email rather than telling me the reason why they didn’t want to hire me was because of my gender,” she reflected.

Diligence Saviour, a Business Application Coordinator, originally aspired to become a medical doctor due to her father’s influence, Diligence discovered her passion for computer science during her university years. “After my first year, I developed a passion for computer science and decided to continue in that field,” she explained. Diligence’s role at eHealth Africa involves managing critical software applications like Sage X3, which is used across all of eHA’s offices globally. Ogochukwu Ifeatu, who serves as a Technical Project Manager (Product Owner) at eHealth Africa, was drawn to her role by her love for managing new projects. “What attracted me to this role was the love of managing a new project from start to finish,” she shared. Ogochukwu’s career began during her IT days in school, where she worked with a small tech startup. The challenges she faced, particularly in debugging codes, were both daunting and exciting, sparking her passion for tech.


eHealth Africa implements policies and practices that address gender diversity. These include promoting gender equity in hiring, pay, and advancement, as well as actively working to dismantle racial and ethnic biases that affect gender inclusivity by prioritizing gender inclusion. These stories are a testament to the impact that dedicated and talented individuals can make in the world of technology and global health.

eHealth Africa is Assessing Life Cycle of Insecticide-treated Mosquito Nets in Bauchi Communities

Posted on by Moshood Isah

by Moshood Isah

Do you sleep under or inside insecticide-treated mosquito nets? It’s an interesting question, right?. While both words are often used interchangeably, it’s important to use the specific term “sleeping under” to ensure mosquito nets are used effectively for optimal impacts. 

When it comes to preventing or reducing malaria transmission, especially in high-risk regions like Africa,  the most effective method is arguably the consistent use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) for sleeping. The World Health Organisation has constantly recommended this intervention as malaria remains a significant public health problem. 

Despite this, research reveals that underserved communities are less likely to purchase LLINs due to economic constraints. This may explain the frequent free distribution of mosquito nets in these  communities. One such free distribution campaign was conducted in Bauchi State, Nigeria last year. 

Led by the Against Malaria Foundation in partnership with the state Government, over 3 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets were distributed  to more than one million households across Bauchi state.

To assess the availability, effective use, and impact on malaria transmission of the distributed nets, eHealth Africa, in partnership with strategic stakeholders in the state, deployed a comprehensive Post-Distribution Monitoring (PDM) strategy.

During the entry meeting with the Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Malaria (BACATMA), project manager Toju Ogele said that eHealth Africa will deploy over 100 data collectors and supervisors to visit about 20,000 households across the state. 

The households were randomly selected to prevent any bias in the Post Distribution Monitoring (PDM) process. “While data collectors conduct house-to-house surveys using electronic devices to ensure accuracy in the data collection process”, he said.

The process which had already begun in the state capital, also involved roving supervisors who conducted spot checks and provided oversight. “The primary objective of the PDM intervention is to confirm net presence, assess their effective use, and determine their current condition across households,” he said. 

“We recognize the important role of community gatekeepers, such as traditional and religious leaders, for intervention of this nature. Therefore, we conducted advocacy visits to different levels of leadership at the local government level to secure their support for the project”, he added.  Importantly, the team also deployed local guides familiar with the communities to ensure a smooth data collection process. 

In his remark, Sulaiman Danladi, Deputy Director of the State Malaria Alleviation Programme, commended the community-based approach to the intervention and pledged his support for an objective PDM outcome. He reiterated that “since 2009, the state has distributed Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLINs)  every four years. It is an ethical standard to conduct follow-up to assess  the availability, hanging rates, and maintenance of the nets”. 

According to him, this is done to ensure the nets are being effectively utilized for the overall protection of the entire Bauchi State population, especially under-5 children and pregnant women, against malaria. 

During the first phase of the Post Distribution Monitoring, a community leader in Bauchi metropolis, Mallam Ya’u Adamu praised the process saying the PDM helps identify gaps experienced during the initial net distribution process. He explained that “some of the ad-hoc staff deployed to identify households and collect information for net distribution purposes are not necessarily familiar with the communities they are deployed to.”

This undoubtedly impacted  access to mosquito nets in the community.  He, therefore,  called on partners to always involve community leaders in the identification of households and distribution of insecticide-treated nets. 

Community Health Workers, Patients Get Boost in Battle Against Non-Communicable Diseases

Posted on by Moshood Isah

by Moshood Isah

Nana Abdullahi, a Community Health Extension Worker residing in Nasarawa Local Government of Kano State has just completed a 3-day comprehensive training on effective screening, diagnosis and management of Non-Communicable Diseases.  The training  built the capacity of 24 Community Healthcare workers in both the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and Kano state, Nigeria on adopting the World Health Organisation (WHO) Package of Essential Non-Communicable Diseases Intervention (N-PEN) in Nigeria. 

Nana, a health extension worker for some years now, has encountered a mix of experiences with her patients.  The most heart-wrenching is that after screening and providing them with medication, many of these patients lack the financial resources to consistently purchase the necessary medications. This often leads to a decline in their health, complications and potentially culminating in death. 

“We used to have issues with the patients due to lack of   drug compliance because they complain of financial challenges and without the medications you cannot manage hypertension”, she said. 

According to Nana, “there is a patient whose Blood Pressure (BP) keeps rising despite the drugs I prescribed for her. Unfortunately, after visiting her a couple of times, she confessed that she could not afford to buy the drugs”.  Faced with this situation, Nana felt compelled to purchase the medication herself to save the patient’s life.

While the training exposed Nana to a more effective way of screening, communicating and administering medications to patients, Nana is even more excited that this intervention by eHealth Africa will be providing free medication for her clients. She said, “we are glad that this project (Digitizing for Impact, Improving Access to Integrated Services for NCDs in Nigeria) by eHealth Africa  will be giving our patients free medications so that will help them with compliance with their medications”. 

“I have upgraded from my previous knowledge on how to screen and prescribe medications. We will now use the national protocol for treating diabetic and hypertensive patients”, said Nana. . 

Beyond Primary Healthcare facilities, the intervention also collaborates with REACH clinics (Reaching Everyone with Accessible Community Healthcare) located in selected communities. Dr Adawiya Mahmud Ila, a Product Quality Assurance Coordinator at the EHA’s REACH Clinics in Kano has been supporting free medical outreach programs in Kano while also managing the community health extension workers. She identified challenges faced by healthcare workers, including determining when to introduce new antihypertensive medications, reduce existing medications, or wean patients off them entirely.

“We have been properly trained on how to identify and screen for hypertension and diabetes and how to counsel patients”, she said.  After this training, Dr Adawiya expects improvement in the way hypertension and other Non-Communicable Diseases are being treated and managed. 

“My expectation from the Community Health Extension Workers is to treat hypertensive and diabetic patients the right way and not make the mistakes of inadequately reducing or increasing medications”  She is also optimistic that the training will lead to proper management and better follow up with patients. 

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) like Diabetes, Cancer, Hypertension and heart disease are considered among the most deadly diseases globally. According to UNICEF, it is estimated that one in five deaths among adolescents are caused by NCDs.  Similarly, the disparities in access to healthcare services contribute to the ineffective diagnosis and management of NCDs. 

Digitizing for Impact; Improving Access to Integrated Services for NCDs in Nigeria, is a brainchild of eHealth Africa currently being piloted in the FCT, Abuja, and Kano communities. This intervention is a household-based and integrated approach especially for underserved communities to improve the coverage of appropriate NCD services.  

The N-PEN intervention basically identified the primary health care system or facility as the most effective and cost-effective means of getting a lot of people to treat common NCDs like Hypertension and Diabetes. This is because Primary healthcare services are the closest to the poor and vulnerable and they could easily walk in and access the services. 

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