December 2, 2024 (Djibouti Ville, Djibouti): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in collaboration with the European Union (EU), has handed over advanced digital health equipment to Djibouti’s Ministry of Health. This initiative aims to strengthen cross-border health collaboration and enhance regional disease surveillance systems.
Speaking on behalf of IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu and Health and Social Development Director Ms. Fathia Alwan, Dr. Afework Kasa, Coordinator for Knowledge Management and Monitoring and Evaluation, emphasised that the handover represents more than just a transfer of technology.
“This is a testament to our unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of people across the IGAD region,” he stated.
Dr. Afework highlighted the strategic allocation of the equipment to key sites, including three cross-border areas, district health offices, and the Health Information System (HIS) within the Ministry of Health.
“With this advanced digital equipment, we are bolstering our capacity to collect, analyse, and share critical health data in real-time,” he added.
He further expressed confidence that the Ministry of Health, as a dedicated partner, would ensure the effective distribution and utilisation of the equipment.
The distribution of the digital health equipment spans all IGAD Member States and is intended to enhance data transmission, strengthen regional disease surveillance, and facilitate improved cross-border health data sharing. Equipment has been allocated to three cross-border health facilities, district or county health offices, and the Ministry of Health’s HMIS/Digital Health/IDSR sections.
“This effort aims to establish a robust regional disease surveillance system, significantly improving our ability to share health data and respond to public health threats,” Dr. Afework noted.
Mr. Jochen Schmidt, a GIZ representative, highlighted GIZ’s role as the implementing partner for this initiative.
“GIZ is honoured to have implemented this project in close coordination with IGAD to address critical gaps in health surveillance and monitoring across the region,” he remarked.
Mr. Schmidt further acknowledged the generous funding from the European Union and co-funding by the German government through the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
“This project reflects a shared commitment to building resilient health systems,” he said.
Mr. Mohamed Ali Mohamed, Secretary General of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Djibouti, underscored the importance of modern tools in addressing the complexities of public health challenges.
“It is with great pride and gratitude that I stand here today to mark the official handover of computer equipment donated by IGAD, with the generous support of the European Union through GIZ. This event is a significant milestone in our collective efforts to strengthen Djibouti’s healthcare system,” he stated.
The Ambassador of the European Union to Djibouti also delivered remarks, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to supporting health initiatives in the region.
This initiative, implemented under the EU Digital Solutions project, was launched in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It represents a bold step toward strengthening health systems in Djibouti and across the IGAD region.
