September 1, 2023 (Djibouti-Ville, Djibouti): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in collaboration with GIZ (Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit) has conducted a Meeting of Directorate Health Information Systems and Digitalization Technical Working Group, on Data sharing and protection policy Framework domestication, today, in Djibouti, republic of Djibouti.
The main objectives of the Directorate Health Information Systems and Digitalization Technical Working Group meeting is to provide technical support on adoption/ aligning to the IGAD regional Health Data Sharing and Protection policy framework for cross-border health data sharing and to identify the national priorities and lead the development of a Road Map to implementation of the Regional Data Sharing and Protection Policy Framework. As well as to lead and oversee the implementation of the Data Sharing and Protection Policy that is aligned to the IGAD Regional Policy framework.
In his opening remarks, Dr Salah Banoita, General Secretary of Ministry of Health, on his part, said that Vaccination individual tracking for cross border mobile population and coordination of vaccination teams covering the same cross border population to ensure complete coverage of priority areas of policy.
In addition, he mentioned the importance of continuity of care for cross border individuals who are on treatment from chronic infectious diseases such as HIV and TB, to reduce the risk of drug resistant strains.
Moreover, Dr Salah explained the key activities implemented by the Technical working group which includes the Orientation of stakeholders on the IGAD Regional Data Sharing and Protection Policy and overview of the Road Map Development 8-steps, as well as, the Presentation of the Situational Analysis for Djibouti.
It is stated on the occasion that the steering committee for the Health information System Technical working group is the technical body that provides mentorship and ensures the buy-in of the digital health initiatives by the Ministry of Health. A cross border Data Sharing and Protection Policy aligned to the IGAD region is a key initiative and the TWG follows the national health sector protocols and meetings modalities; and will meet on regular basis, at least twice per year and/or prior to the meeting of the steering committee.
Under the leadership of Mr. Chehem Ibrahim, and Mr. Omar Ali (National Policy Facilitator for IGAD) the Djibouti MoH team will continue road map development activities.
These includes;
- Orientation of stakeholders on the IGAD Regional Data Sharing and Protection Policy
- Overview of the Road Map Development 8-steps
- Presentation of the Situational Analysis for Djibouti.
- Presentation of the proposed technical working group members and the draft Terms of reference- Djibouti already has a TWG in place under the Directorate of Health Information systems and e-health. The membership of the TWG is approved by the Secretary General of Health and is drawn from key stakeholder groups.
- Presentation of the Road-Map template
