By Tuwilika Nafuka
A recent viral tweet bantered, “For Headache, Press 1. For Flu, continue to hold!” a lighthearted take on Namibia’s mushrooming focus on digital health under the new administration.
The appointment of Dr. Esperance Luvindao, an advocate for digital health, as the Minister of Health and Social Services has ignited discussions nationwide.
While the humor is relatable, it stresses a pressing issue: for many Namibians, digital health remains an abstract concept.
Clarifying Digital Health
Digital health refers to the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) into healthcare to enhance the quality and accessibility of services. Key components include:
- Electronic Health Records (EHRs): Digitized patient records that allow for seamless access and management.
- Telemedicine: Remote consultations between patients and healthcare providers, bridging geographical gaps.
- Mobile Health (mHealth): Utilization of mobile devices to deliver health services and disseminate information.
- Health Information Systems: Systems that collect, analyze, and utilize health data to inform decision-making.
Namibia’s Digital Health Landscape
Namibia has demonstrated a commitment to digital health through the launch of the National eHealth Strategy for 2021-2025. This strategy aligns with the WHO Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025 and envisions “a healthy nation enjoying a high standard of living and quality health and social services welfare enabled by eHealth.”
However, several challenges hinder the full realization of this vision:
- Connectivity Issues: Many rural areas lack reliable internet access, impeding the implementation of digital health solutions.
- Paper-Based Systems: A significant number of healthcare facilities continue to rely on manual record-keeping, leading to inefficiencies.
- Workforce Training: There’s a pressing need to equip healthcare workers with digital competencies to effectively utilize new technologies.
Insights from the Digital Health Skills for Africa (DHSA) Program
As a participant in the DHSA program, I gained valuable insights into how other African nations are navigating the digital health landscape:
- Ghana: Dr. Edward Agyemang, a digital informatics specialist, discussed Ghana’s plans to implement nationwide EHRs, aiming to streamline patient information management and enhance healthcare delivery.
- Kenya: Sylvia Mwelu, a digital health technical lead at the Kenya Health Informatics Association (KeHIA), shed light on Kenya’s decade-long journey to develop a Digital Health Act and related policies. The inclusion of digital health in the current Kenyan president’s manifesto underscores the nation’s commitment to integrating technology into healthcare.
- Nigeria: Obinna Ezeani, a digital health specialist, emphasized the importance of interoperability, the ability of different systems to work together seamlessly. This aspect is crucial for ensuring that various digital health tools can communicate effectively, a lesson pertinent to Namibia’s context.
Charting the Path Forward for Namibia
To harness the potential of digital health, Namibia should consider the following steps:
- Develop Comprehensive Policies: Drawing from Kenya’s experience, formulating robust digital health policies can provide a clear framework for implementation.
- Invest in Infrastructure: Addressing connectivity challenges by expanding internet access, particularly in rural areas, is essential to support digital health initiatives.
- Capacity Building: Implementing training programs to equip healthcare workers with the necessary digital skills ensures they can effectively utilize new technologies.
- Foster Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with international organizations, private sector players, and other African nations can facilitate knowledge and resource sharing.
- Ensure Interoperability: Adopting standards that allow different digital health systems to work together facilitates seamless data exchange and improves patient care.
Achieving digital transformation in healthcare requires dedicated leadership and a collective effort. It’s not a task for a single individual but a collaborative endeavour involving various stakeholders.
By learning from the experiences of other African countries and tailoring strategies to its unique context, Namibia can make significant strides toward a digitally empowered healthcare system that benefits all its citizens.
* Tuwilika Nafuka is a Medical Doctor, Africa CDC Bingwa PLUS and DHSA fellow, digital health transformation champion and social justice advocate. She is passionate about leveraging technology to revolutionize health care systems.
