Awareness on ICT for Health in Uganda

This was the third of a series of twelve awareness seminars to promote eHealth in Uganda and to validate the ‘ICT Health Policy’. The first one took place in Kampala on 3 May 2006, the second was conducted in Masaka on 25 May 2006 and the next one is expected to take place in Lira on 19 June 2006. The main objective of this awareness programme is to sensitize the Ministry of Health (MoH) officials and key stakeholders on the application of ICT in health care delivery. The main theme of this third seminar was the use of ICT to facilitate the provision of quality, equitable and sustainable health services. It was attended by the Chairperson and other members of the National eHealth Steering Committee, Medical Superintendents, Health officials, District Officers, Doctors and Nurses from Jinja, Kamuli, Kaliro, Iganga, Bugiri and other catchments.

The Agenda of the day was divided into four sessions namely:

Session I – Opening session
Session II – Strengthening the referral system and knowledge sharing using ICTs
Session III – Information management and skills development using ICTs
Session IV – Delivery of sector priorities using ICTs

Dr. Catherine Omaswa, the Chairperson National eHealth Steering Committee made the opening remarks stressing the need to embed ICTs in health activities, and how it provides a platform for eHealth in Uganda. The Keynote address was delivered by Dr. Wanume Benon, the Medical Superintendent (picture) of Jinja hospital, who promised that the MoH would use ICTs as tools in the Health sector to harmonize strategies, plans and policies, and to achieve sector objectives. He stated that the sensitization seminar was timely adding that ICTs will be needed in order to deliver the Uganda National Health package.

Presentations were also delivered by Dr Waiswa from Iganga, who enlightened members about the RESCUER system and its major challenges. A presentation on highlights of e-consultation and how one can make use of it to create an effective communication network was given by Dr. Byakika, the Deputy District Health Superintendent (DDHS) Jinja.

The Health Management Information System (HMIS) of Kamuli Hospital was presented by Dr Lopita. The Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS) programme used by the MoH was presented by Mr. Charles Isabirye of the Human Resource Department at the Ministry of Health. Mr. Kyankone, the Director of Easy Learning centre based in Jinja also enlightened the participants about the need to be trained in various areas of ICT. He added that the centre conducted e-learning courses that were affordable, could be easily accessed by a coded card and the courses could be studied at one’s own convenience.

During the discussion session, participants were divided into four groups where they were expected to relate the selected priority sector strategies with ICT usage and utilization. It was decided by the organizers that each regional seminar will discuss a different priority sector. The priority sector for this specific workshop was ‘To improve Maternal Health’. The indicator was the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR). From the participants’ discussions, it was easy to notice that the commonly used form of ICTs in the rural areas was the Mobile phone. Participants recommended that ICT capacity building should be considered because it is a new field of experience for them.

While making his closing remarks, Dr. Arjan de Jager, Manager of IICD's Uganda Country Programme, cited the need for better coordination of the already existing activities, and facilitation of content development. He also noted the benefits of a building a Public - Private Partnership (PPP) and ensuring adequate maintenance of available equipment. He also informed the participants that the Health Node of I-Network has been formed to facilitate more knowledge sharing activities in the area of health.

More information:

Ministry of Health Uganda
Collaboration Cordaid - IICD