Journal of Health Care Communications Open Access

Strengthening Health Systems using Innovative Digital Health Technologies in Africa

International Congress on Global Healthcare

August 9, 2022 | Webinar

Dr. Sunny Ibeneme

Digital Health Specialist, UNICEF East Asia Pacific Regional Office, Bangkok Thailand

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Healthc Commun

Abstract:

Current challenges with digital solutions in Africa limit their overall impact as most solutions are institution-specific with limited system-wide impacts. There is limited emphasis on system strengthening to drive sustainable developments in countries. Most health investments are vertical, partner-driven and programspecific. Partners too often adopt the reductionist perspective that places more focus on disease priorities, with the belief that the system will be strengthened when interventions are prioritized for specific diseases. There is limited policy buy-in by stakeholders, as partners often seek to produce quick results for the SDGs through fragmented siloed programs. There are also poor linkages amongst different solutions as they are not designed to capture robust data across multiple sectors and programmatic areas. While most solutions lack mechanisms to capture high fidelity real-time data to respond to current needs; others are not designed to support interoperability and data sharing across the continuum of care. To address health systems’ challenges and strengthen regional health systems for the SDGs, the World Health Organization Africa Regional Office (WHOAFRO) proposed the use of a comprehensive Digital Health Platform (DHP) to address peculiar regional digital challenges and provide integrated digital solutions that align with the needs of countries. The WHOAFRO DHP is a facility-wide electronic health records system that ensures the realization of UHC pillars of ‘Accessibility, Quality and Affordability’ and has opportunities to accelerate innovation at country levels

Biography :

Dr. Sunny Ibeneme is a Harvard trained Health Systems Strengthening Expert, Digital Health & Information System Analyst, Health Economist, Quantitative Analytics, Cartographer, and Health Policy Analyst. He is an experienced Monitoring & Evaluation Facilitator working in complex adaptive health systems. He supports Global, Regional and National Health Systems to improve outcomes using robust frameworks. Sunny completed a Medical degree in Nigeria in 2008, and afterwards received a Presidential Merit Award from the Nigerian president for community service in 2011.