Blog Archives - Page 4 of 7

eHealth Africa Named One of Nigeria’s Best Places to Work for the Third Consecutive Year

Posted on May 31, 2024August 22, 2024 by Moshood Isah

For the third year running, eHealth Africa (eHA) has been recognized as one of the best places to work in Nigeria. This certification, a result of the rigorous Best Places to Work assessment, underscores eHA’s commitment to creating an exceptional workplace environment. The assessment, renowned globally for capturing employee sentiments, highlights eHA’s status as an Employer of Choice, a testament to its dedication to its workforce.

At the heart of eHA’s success is a culture that champions excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. This culture is fostered through a range of employee engagement programs designed to empower and motivate staff. One such program is the Innovation Challenge, where employees are encouraged to form teams and develop innovative ideas. The most promising ideas receive sponsorship from eHA’s board, with funding of up to $10,000, driving both personal and organizational growth.

Complementing the Innovation Challenge is the Culture Club, a dedicated group within the organization that ensures employee voices are heard. Representatives from each department are members of the club and they gather feedback from their colleagues and present it to management. This continuous feedback ensures that employees are continually engaged and that their suggestions are implemented, reinforcing a culture of openness and responsiveness.

Additionally, the HR team collaborates with the Culture Club to organize various programs aimed at boosting morale and fostering team spirit. One of the standout events is the “Thank God It’s Friday” (TGIF) celebrations, where staff come together at the end of every month to unwind and recharge for the upcoming month. Such events, along with monthly recognition programs for high-performing employees, ensure that the eHA team feels valued and appreciated.

“As a team, we’re constantly searching for innovative ways to keep our employees engaged. In fact, it’s one of the core responsibilities of the Human Resources team. We go beyond an open-door policy – we’ve eliminated the door altogether! We consistently reach out to our employees to understand their needs and well-being. This is because we recognize them as our greatest assets,” said Adesina Matti, Human Resources Manager at eHealth Africa.

The certification celebration, attended by representatives from the Best Places to Work organization, was a moment of pride for eHA. Dr. David Akpan, Deputy Director of Programs and Partnerships at eHA, spoke on behalf of the Executive Director, Atef Fawaz. “It is very exciting that we have continued to build the right work environment, earning us the Best Places to Work certification for the third time in a row. This achievement is a testament to the hard work of all our employees. I want to take this opportunity to let you know once again that you are all valued. Let’s continue to uphold our high standards and celebrate being one of the best places to work.”

To commemorate the achievement, Dr. Akpan announced that Friday, May 31st, 2024, would be a work-free day for all staff, giving everyone a chance to rest and recharge.

Peter Burg, President of Best Places to Work, also spoke at the celebration. “We survey over six thousand employers each year, and our research is teaching us that many more employers than ever before are focused on increasing employee engagement, which is so great to see. Even though many are getting better, only a select few would receive this kind of recognition, and that includes you, eHealth Africa. So, for that, I say congratulations.”

Hamza Ibiza, Global Program Director at Best Places to Work, provided an overview of the survey results that led to eHA’s recognition. The survey assessed eight key areas: leadership, corporate social responsibility, HR practices, compensation, benefits, teamwork and relationships, employee engagement, and workplace procedures. eHA’s high marks across these categories reflect its comprehensive approach to employee satisfaction and workplace excellence.

eHealth Africa, headquartered in Kano, Nigeria, is an international non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening health systems in Africa through data-driven solutions. By responding to local needs and providing underserved communities with the necessary tools, eHA aims to foster healthier lives through the integration of information, technology, and operations.

Empowering Communities Through Data: Saleh Umar Vulegbo’s Story with EMID App

Posted on May 29, 2024August 22, 2024 by Moshood Isah

By Tijesu Ojumu

In the heart of Lapai Local Government Area in Niger State, Nigeria, Saleh Umar Vulegbo stands as a beacon of hope and efficiency. Working as a data recorder at the Bow Comprehensive Primary Health Center, Saleh’s dedication to his community is evident in every entry he makes and every record he keeps. His journey, intertwined with the Electronic Management of Immunization Data (EMID) by the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) and optimized by eHealth Africa with funding from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), is a testament to the power of technology and training in transforming lives and communities.

Saleh’s introduction to data recording and immunization came early in his career. “The first time I started hearing about data recording and immunization was when I began my work,” he recalls. “Without recording, it means you haven’t done anything because the record speaks on behalf of any assignment you did in your facility or local government.” This realization fueled his passion for data accuracy and reliability, ensuring that every immunization was documented meticulously.

The turning point in Saleh’s career came with the introduction of the EMID app. Before this innovation, data recording was a laborious task, relying on pen and paper. The transition to electronic data management was revolutionary. “The day I was introduced to the system, inputting and outputting data electronically, was memorable. Before then, everything was done with pen and paper. Now, things have turned to electronics,” he reflects.

The EMID app not only simplified data recording but also enhanced accuracy and traceability. “With EMID, you input biodata, scan a QR code, and take a personal picture to identify the person. It’s much more efficient than the old pen-and-paper method. It’s easier to identify and locate individuals now,” Saleh explains. This technological leap meant that immunization records were no longer confined to dusty registers but were accessible and verifiable in real time.

eHealth Africa’s role in this transformation cannot be overstated. After optimizing the EMID native app, eHealth Africa conducted comprehensive training, ensuring that health workers across Nigeria’s 36 states, 774 local government areas, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, were proficient in using the EMID app. The training program equipped data recorders like Saleh with the skills needed to navigate the digital landscape. For Saleh, this training was more than just skill acquisition; it was empowerment. “The world is moving from hard copy to digital. Anything you do now is being watched globally. You must come out boldly and be transparent in your work,” he emphasizes.

Saleh’s mentor, an experienced Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) officer, played a significant role in shaping his career. “He coached me since I was a child, teaching me the importance of monitoring and evaluation through proper reporting,” Saleh says. This mentorship, combined with eHealth Africa’s training, positioned Saleh as a crucial player in his community’s health system.

Saleh’s impact extends beyond data recording. His dedication ensures that immunization programs run smoothly, with accurate data guiding every step. His work serves as a foundation for decision-making, policy formulation, and resource allocation. By maintaining precise records, Saleh helps safeguard his community against preventable diseases, contributing to a healthier future.

eHealth Africa’s optimized EMID app has revolutionized the way immunization data is managed, making the process seamless and efficient. Their commitment to training and empowering health workers like Saleh has had a ripple effect, enhancing healthcare delivery across Nigeria. Saleh’s story is a shining example of how technology, when coupled with proper training and dedication, can transform lives and communities.

In the words of Saleh, “In this global world, anything you do now is being watched. Inputting data into systems means everyone can see what you’re doing in real time, and it ensures accountability and accuracy.” His story is a reminder that behind every data point is a human story, a commitment to excellence, and a desire to make a difference.

Through Saleh’s eyes, we see the profound impact of eHealth Africa’s efforts both in optimizing the EMID app and in disseminating training to empower healthcare workers to use the app. Their work not only streamlines processes but also inspires individuals to rise above challenges, making meaningful contributions to their communities. As we celebrate these achievements, we are reminded that the heart of innovation lies in the people who bring it to life.

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

Posted on May 7, 2024August 22, 2024 by Moshood Isah

by Favour Oriaku

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on March 4, 2024August 22, 2024 by Moshood Isah

by Moshood Isah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community Feedback

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

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

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

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

Empowering Nigeria’s Healthcare System with EMID App Training

Posted on February 19, 2024August 22, 2024 by Moshood Isah

by Favour Oriaku

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nasarawa SPHCDB set to Sustain Vaccination Progress with User-Friendly EMID Mobile App

Posted on February 13, 2024August 22, 2024 by eHealthAfricaAdmin

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

The race to ensure accessibility to COVID-19 Vaccine and intensive campaigns to promote the uptake of the vaccines led to its routinization especially in developing countries. To further ensure the successful implementation of its COVID-19 vaccine deployment plan and address existing challenges of data management, Nigeria developed the Electronic Management of Immunization Data (EMID) system in 2021. By the end of the year, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) revealed that Nasarawa state, located in North Central part of Nigeria has again overtaken other states in the COVID-19 mass vaccination campaign in Nigeria.

However, recent experience has also revealed that manual data collection remains vulnerable to damage or manipulation. Digital solutions remain mostly more recommended as it enables more accurate data capturing and better storage process. However, the potential challenges that could hamper the progress of development and utilization of digital solutions for management of immunization data are likely technical glitches and capacity limitations of health officials, especially in underserved communities.

To Address these challenges, eHealth Africa in partnership with National Primary Health Care Development Agency supported by GAVI developed an optimized version of the EMID mobile application, incorporating routine immunization to further standardize and harmonize data collection and storage. Thus, eHA successfully completed the training of healthcare personnel across the country, in the use of the EMID Native App.

Speaking during the training session for healthcare personnel and immunization recorders across over 300 Primary Health facilities in Nasarawa state, key stakeholders highlighted how the optimum utilization of the EMID application will sustain vaccination progress in the state.

LGA EMID Focal Persons in Nasarawa state after a Training of Trainers on optimised EMID application

Abubakar Alilu Awei, State Primary Healthcare Development Board, (SPHCDB) Immunization Officer (SIO) said the presence of EMID Focal persons at the LGAs ensuring that all recorders upload information of clients on the national server was indeed instrumental in the state progress during the COVID 19 vaccination. He said, “You may recall that Nasarawa state emerged as the overall best performing state in Nigeria in terms of COVID-19 vaccination and also the best performing state in the North central zone. This may not be unconnected to the good use of our EMID application that we adopted during the COVID 19 vaccination.”

Awei further lauded the incorporation of routine immunization into the application saying, the training is timely as it will enable the state to have data on the server to enable adequate tracking of client information. He said, “with the optimized EMID app, at a glance we can check on the client that has been vaccinated with the first antigens. So when they come back to the health facilities for the next antigen it’s just for the recorder at the health facility to go to the server and update the current antigens that they have received”. It reinforces the prospects for effective management of immunization data.

In a similar vein, Beatrice Samuel, NPHCDA, Zonal technical officer, Nasarawa state said, “one of the things we really enjoyed is that we could see the accessibility, the user friendly and not much challenge”. While describing the optimization of the EMID app as a milestone for the agency and eHealth Africa, she called for its sustainability.

“I want to believe that the excitement we have now would not just go away. It should be something that will not give us challenges when we go to the field. There should be a sustainable native app for us to enjoy more and more”.

Immunization Recorder in Doma LGA of Nasarawa State

In his words, Ahmed Ibrahim, EMID State Focal Person for Nasarawa State lauded eHealth Africa for leading the optimization of the application saying, “ our recorders at the health facility will now know the value and importance of keeping record”. He said the application guarantees the safety of data in its electronic form saying, “even if the facility is burnt you can still go to the database and search for the record of any person”, he concluded.

Celebrating the Handovers of EOCs in Zamfara and Kebbi States

Posted on February 2, 2024September 7, 2024 by Moshood Isah

by Favour Oriaku

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

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

Zamfara State’s EOC Handover

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

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

Kebbi State’s EOC Handover

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

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

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

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

A Testament to Partnership and Progress

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

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

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

Posted on January 31, 2024August 22, 2024 by Moshood Isah

By Tijesu Ojumu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COP28: SPOTLIGHTING THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON PUBLIC HEALTH – ATEF FAWAZ

Posted on December 22, 2023August 22, 2024 by eHealthAfricaAdmin

Health Delivery Systems

Less than a fortnight ago, the World Health Organisation, Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the impact of climate change may reverse the progress made in the fight against malaria. This according to him is due to “COVID-19-induced public health disruptions, humanitarian crises, drug and insecticide resistance, and global warming impacts”. As contained in the recently released World Malaria report, the changing climate poses a substantial risk to progress against malaria, particularly in vulnerable regions. This may just be another critical reason needed to lift the climate change/health nexus while ensuring effective mainstreaming of health in the global climate change agenda.

There is no gainsaying that developing countries like Nigeria and others must be on the alert to prepare for the potential impact of this new development necessitated by climate change. Despite the hysteria that greeted the reported number of Africa’s delegates (especially Nigeria) to the just concluded 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference otherwise referred to as Conference of Parties (COP28), It is pertinent to reflect on the economic and human resources invested in the event to explore actual opportunities.

The conference was no doubt a huge platform where thought leaders and experts across the world come together to chart pathways to address the climate crisis, and proffer succor on how vulnerable communities can adapt to the effects of climate change. This is in a bid to achieve the overall goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. With over 70,000 delegates expected to attend this important event every year; from business leaders, young people, climate scientists, Indigenous Peoples, journalists, and various other experts and stakeholders; the opportunities are boundless.

With the 2023 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report revealing that over 3.5billion people live in areas that are vulnerable to climate change, it’s just a matter of time before nations feel the impact if there are no effective measures for early preparedness and response against climate change. This may have contributed to the call for urgent action on climate change and health by the Global Health Community. This is also not a coincidence as similar calls were made before the 2022 Conference as the World Health Organisation reiterated the fact that, climate crisis continues to make people sick and jeopardizes lives. This yet again buttressed the call to make healthcare delivery amidst climate change a critical area of discussion during the conference. Thus it was not surprising when the COP28 Presidency joined with the World Health Organization to announce a new ‘COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health’ (the Declaration) to accelerate actions to protect people’s health from growing climate impacts.

Thus developing countries like Nigeria have a huge opportunity to build on their participation in the conference to explore ways to alleviate the grueling impact of climate change on healthcare delivery and policies. One of the first signatory to the Declaration on Climate and Health, Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera revealed that extreme and unfavorable weather events have consistently displaced citizens, causing the spread of infectious diseases that has led to the death of thousands in countries like Malawi.

Nigeria specifically in recent times witnessed increased flood and rapid desertification. For instance, in the last 18 months, Nigeria experienced massive floods caused by global warming with huge economic and health implications like loss of lives, properties leading to chronic hunger and vulnerability to water-borne diseases. Also, the potential threat to livelihoods like agriculture and fishing is no doubt cause for concern with potential challenges of food security which negatively impact health and nutrition.

While a handful of organizations are taking both intentional and unintentional steps to combat the impending impact of climate change, it is vital to galvanize important stakeholders across all sectors to discuss their role in supporting the process. A typical example of such steps is eHealth Africa’s deployment of a modular solution that involves the design and implementation of renewable energy solutions for healthcare facilities, especially in low-resource settings. The Renewable Energy for Public HealthCare (RE4PHC) solar system is designed to be deployed to health facilities with minimal access to power but at the same time reducing the emission of greenhouse gas from generating sets due to lack of electricity.

However there is need for public and stakeholder sensitization and coordination on the potential impact of climate change in the African region especially in Nigeria. Organisations and government agencies like Nigerian Park service, Great Green Wall, ministries of Agriculture, Marine and Blue economy amongst other Non governmental organizations both within and outside the region must coordinate to ensure effective action against climate change.

This is in a bid to further explore the causes and impact of climate change within and around the African context while educating the people on activities that have consistently escalated the current risk. A basket fund can also be created to pull resources from the public and private sector, especially companies whose activities contribute to emission of greenhouse gasses and global warming with support from international thought leaders and experts in climate change interventions.

The idea of dissecting the nexus between climate change and health is to ensure that Low and Medium Income (LMIC) like Nigeria to advance its aspiration to meet up with acceptable global standards as regards critical actions that aides early preparedness and response.

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

SARMAAN: Towards a Successful Mass Drug Administration Implementation

Posted on December 14, 2023August 22, 2024 by eHealthAfricaAdmin

#Child Health, #SARMAAN, #Data Management

By Mohammed Bello

In a bold move to address infant mortality, the Nigerian government through the Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with implementation partners, initiated the Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance of Mass Administration of Azithromycin on Children 1-11 months in Nigeria (SARMAAN) research project. The project’s focal point is the mass administration of Azithromycin to children aged 1 – 11 months to understand its impact on safety, antimicrobial resistance, and overall reduction in infant mortality.

The SARMAAN project unfolds in two phases: firstly, to investigate the safety and pattern of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) resulting from Azithromycin administration, and secondly, to assess the cost, feasibility, and acceptability of the drug delivery through various platforms. With three (3) successful cycles completed across six states, the project is well on its way to achieving its milestones.

The study areas – Jigawa, Kebbi, Kano, Sokoto, Akwa Ibom, and Abia are a microcosm of the diverse challenges and opportunities in Nigeria. Their unique characteristics- geographical features to economic structures, provide a rich backdrop for a comprehensive understanding of the SARMAAN project’s impact on healthcare delivery. The research looks at the interplay of factors such as regional health disparities, cultural nuances, and existing healthcare infrastructures. This nuanced examination allows for a more profound appreciation of the project’s significance within the context of Nigeria’s varied landscapes and sociodemographic compositions.

eHealth Africa worked on data management in six implementing states, using digital tools to streamline processes. Key deliverables included the digitization of paper-based case reporting forms, the creation of a study database, and the training of data collectors. The meticulous approach ensured data accuracy and reliability.

The implementation approach, outlined in the document, emphasizes a systematic methodology. With a focus on data processing, storage, and dissemination, the project leveraged digital platforms like Kobotoolbox and Tableau to ensure a smoother information flow.

The raw data is collected, filtered, sorted, processed, analyzed, stored, and then presented in a readable format. The stages deployed to process the collected data.

For this study, data uploaded to the Kobo server is first processed in the Feature Manipulation Engine (FME) before being sent to the study’s Postgre SQL database. The next stage is GeoServer, where fields are exposed as needed and finally disseminated using Tableau.

The SARMAAN project has seen significant achievements in its implementation, with over 18,100 children reached out of the 17893 children targeted across 3 cycles. Training initiatives, data processing, and cleanup were conducted meticulously, contributing to the success of the project. The Tableau dashboard provided a comprehensive overview of the progress, ensuring transparency and accountability. The SARMAAN project dashboard can be accessed via the link.

Despite the successes, the project encountered challenges, including violations of daily community visitation targets, inadequate training facilities, and security concerns. In addition, some data collectors needed more essential tools. Stakeholder engagement gaps existing in certain states also hindered compliance.

The project offers valuable insights, highlighting the importance of daily visitation plans, group training approaches, and adapting to cultural norms. Recommendations include the need for targeted outreach strategies, increased female data collectors in specific regions, and an extended training period for enhanced proficiency.

The SARMAAN project stands as a testament to the power of research and collaboration in addressing critical health challenges. By navigating challenges and incorporating key lessons, the project is poised to continue making a positive impact on infant mortality rates in Nigeria. The journey so far reflects a commitment to innovation, data-driven decision-making, and the well-being of the nation’s children.

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