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

Posted on July 4, 2024August 22, 2024 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 July 2, 2024September 5, 2024 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 June 24, 2024August 22, 2024 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 June 7, 2024August 22, 2024 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.

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

Community Feedback

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.

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