Local Strategies and Policies Sessions

SOU-67 | DIGITALIZATION OF HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS FOR IMPROVED PLANNING, RESPONSE AND HEALTH OUTCOMES

19 May

19 May

9:00 to 12:30

Venue: Room 2

LEAD ORGANIZER

United Cities and Local Governments of Africa

Tel: +212(0)537 260 062

Email: info@uclga.org

Web: https://www.uclga.org/

PRESENTATION OF THE SESSION

Kisumu County Department of Health SDG 3 advocates for good health and wellbeing for all age groups with specific targets towards improvement of maternal and child health (Department of Economic and Social Affairs 2019; UNDP in South Africa 2017). Globally and locally within the African continent, there is slow progress towards achievement of the Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs) more specifically the health-related SDGs (UNDP in South Africa 2017).   Cities must build resilient health systems that can withstand unpredicted pandemics. Kenya has recorded 324,426 cases as at 1st April 2022. Out of these, 13,000 had been reported in Kisumu County. At height of the response, the Department recognized the need to be able to rapidly identify confirmed cases for isolation and contact tracing. The COVID Dx enabled real time data entry and visualization for decision making. Through COVID Dx, identification of high reinfection rates among healthcare workers during the 3rd wave driven by the Delta variant led to prioritization of 2nd and booster vaccination doses. Kisumu county still records considerably higher maternal and child mortality compared to the nation of Kenya (Demographic 2015). The neonatal mortality rate in the county is 39 deaths per 1000 live births compared to 22 for Kenya. The maternal mortality ratio is 495 deaths per 100,000 live births; nearly 1.5 times higher than the national MMR of 362. There is need to ensure early identification and timely referral for improved maternal outcomes.   One strategy employed to ensure early detection and treatment of common illnesses is community health strategy which involves the use of community health workers in conducting household visits, performing basic point of care tests, diagnosis and treatment of common childhood illnesses such as malaria and diarrhea which remain leading causes of death in our county.   We showcase an innovation to streamline community health strategy data by digitalization of the system by providing CHVs with a smartphone preloaded with data collection tools for real time data capture and reporting.   Expected outcomes Deeper understanding of the role of technology in improved health outcomes

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