IICD supported project: Strategizing ICT for Health - Tanzania

Countries: Tanzania [TZ]
Sectors: health

Summary

In line with Tanzania’s national ICT policy, the Ministry of Health is developing an ICT policy and implementation strategy for the health sector. Chief executives realize the potential of ICT, but awareness and capacity at broader levels need to be increased. Therefore, in this project, the Christian Social Services Commission (CSSC), Commission on Science and Technology (COSTECH) and the Ministry appeal ICT awareness raising among its staff and stakeholders and capacity building to develop an ICT implementation strategy and working paper.

Update

Updated: 2008-06-05

The project is strongly delayed due to a number of changes in the management of the Ministry and other urgent activities. In recent discussions with COSTECH, IICD and the Ministry of Health, it was agreed to (a) organise an information session with the management of the Ministry, (b) organise a training for senior staff in ICT and (c) initiate the development of policy guidelines for the deployment of ICT in health.

Introduction

Health is a key sector for development and plays a large role in poverty eradication. An ICT policy and implementation strategy developed through a multi-stakeholder approach, including government and faith-based (private) health institutions, helps to make the most effective use of ICT in the sector. A strong public-private partnership will eventually boost the performance and quality of the health services in the country.

Objectives

The objective is to develop a policy implementation strategy to deploy ICT in a useful and affordable way in the Health sector. This is based on a process of consultation of relevant stakeholders in the sector. Specific objectives are:

• A white paper prepared on ICT policy in the health sector and an implementation strategy for the next five years.
• Ministry staff exposed to a participatory approach through public–private consultative meetings and capacitated in ICT policy development.
• Acceptance by main stakeholders in the health sector for a harmonized and a cost-effective way of embedding ICT into the health sector with priority for the area where it has highest impact.
• Inventory of different on-going initiatives and promote their integration through an inclusive process.

Budget

€ 80,000

Project Owner : Christian Social Services Commission (CSSC)

Project Contact : IICD