Kenya’s healthcare sector is harnessing information technology (IT) to boost service delivery. However, the uncoordinated use of diverse IT solutions has resulted in fragmented systems and siloed patient data, hindering comprehensive reporting and clinical care. In response, Kisumu County, through the support of the Transform Health Kenya Coalition and multistakeholder engagement, developed and launched the first county Digital Health Transformation Roadmap on the 16th of October 2024 at the sidelines of the Lake Region Digital Health Conference.
The Lake Region Digital Health Conference, also the first of its kind in the Country, brought together trailblazers in healthcare, technology, and policy to discuss how to drive innovation and inclusivity in Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through the successful implementation and scale-up of innovative digital health technologies; hence the importance of unveiling the roadmap at this conference. It was graced by different stakeholders from the County Government of Kisumu, led by the Governor, Professor Anyang Nyong’o, The Royal Netherlands Embassy, Healthcare stakeholders from the Netherlands, Palladium, Kenya Health Informatics Association, Health Access International, Ministry of Health, the Digital Health Agency, Signify Foundation among other stakeholders. The governor, Hon. Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o in his remarks noted that ‘We must renew our faith in Universal Health Coverage every day. Digital health is one of the ways we may achieve UHC’ .
The Digital Health Transformation Roadmap outlines the path towards achieving inclusivity and driving the innovation sought withing the healthcare delivery framework within Kisumu County. It is an essential tool for digital health solution vendors and implementers, aimed at improving data quality, reducing paperwork, minimizing errors, and ensuring real-time data access for better decision-making. It specifies functional requirements for health systems, encompassing Primary Health Care, Laboratory Services, and Pharmacy Management. As technology advances, the County Division of Digital Health will routinely review and update the roadmap to stay aligned with emerging trends and clinical guidelines.
The successful implementation of this roadmap hinges on the coordinated efforts of county actors and the involvement of all stakeholders, including the national and county government, CSOs, and private actors. It will drive partnership planning, sector coordination, and monitoring. Ultimately, fully executing this roadmap is vital for accelerating universal health coverage and enhancing the quality of life for Kisumu County residents.
“Kisumu County leads the way as the first in Kenya to Launch a comprehensive digital health roadmap! This bold step sets a new standard for the nation in healthcare access, quality, and equity-shaping a future of innovation for generations to come in realizing Universal Health Coverage. Transform Health is honored to have provided technical expertise in the development of the roadmap and are grateful to the Governor of Kisumu, the Ministry of Health, stakeholders from Kisumu County and all partners for making this vision a reality” Hortense Minishi, Deputy Executive Director, KELIN (Transform Health Coordinator Kenya)
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