Strategising ICT for Health - Tanzania

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

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.

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, they 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.

The retake of the activities will take place in August 2008 with a one day session with the management of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on the role of ICT in the health sector.

In February 2009 a two session was held and attended by the Permanenet Secretary of the Health, who installed a task force to reinitiate the policy process.

In April a two session was held for senior management in the Health sector on possibilities for ICT in Health and to initate the policy process. A steering committee has been established and the terms of reference have been prepared by a sub committee.

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.

No official impact has been measured yet.