Apotheker supports CDH with 27m/- ICT equipment, furniture

DODOMA: The Apotheker Health Access Initiative (AHAI) has handed over Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment and office furniture worth 27m/- to the Centre for Digital Health (CDH) to support its efforts in promoting the integration of digital solutions in Tanzania’s health sector.

The items include four laptops, one projector, one printer, two office tables (each accommodating four people), one office table (for two people), ten office chairs, and two office cabinets.

Speaking during the handover ceremony in Dodoma on Wednesday afternoon, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, the docket’s director of ICT, Dr Silvanus Ilomo, expressed his appreciation to Apotheker for the generous support aimed at mainstreaming the digital agenda in the health sector.

“The support will greatly strengthen the Centre’s efforts in the adoption and use of ICT in healthcare to improve service delivery,” he said.

He added that the contribution from Apotheker aligns well with the government’s initiatives to enhance digital health infrastructure.

“Apotheker has taken a commendable step in supporting government efforts to improve the centre’s digital capacity,” Dr Ilomo noted.

He emphasised that with the new furniture and ICT tools, digital health professionals at the centre will have a more conducive working environment, thereby enhancing their productivity and innovation.

Dr Ilomo also called upon other stakeholders to lend their support to CDH to ensure its continued growth and impact.

“The government has an open-door policy. We welcome all willing partners to collaborate with us, provided they adhere to the principles and ethics of public service,” he stated.

He reiterated that digital health is no longer an option but a mandatory area of investment for the sector. “We must commit to investing in digital health systems to achieve meaningful outcomes. These enabling environments are key to driving positive results in the sector.”

He acknowledged the existing challenges, particularly system interoperability, and said the presence of a well-equipped team would be instrumental in addressing such gaps.

On her part, Dr Angel Dilip, Director of the Apotheker project, said the organisation was pleased to support the government’s efforts to digitise healthcare service delivery.

“We are here on behalf of the Afya Tech team, which implements digital health projects led by Apotheker and in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and CDH,” she said.

Dr Dilip explained that the Afya Tech initiative connects three key health service providers at the community level: community health workers, pharmacies, and health centres.

“We have been using technology to link these providers so that a patient or community member can access services seamlessly from any of these three points,” she added.

She reaffirmed Apotheker’s commitment to continued collaboration, not only in the Afya Tech project but also in other digital health initiatives aimed at improving healthcare delivery.

The Government of Tanzania, through the Ministry of Health, established the Centre for Digital Health (CDH) in Dodoma to integrate digital solutions into the health sector and drive the country’s digital health transformation.

Apotheker Health Access Initiative (AHAI) is a Tanzanian NGO established in April 2021 and registered under the NGO Organizations Act of 2002 to improve people’s health and well-being through research, training, and consultancy services.

Apotheker leverages the expertise and experiences of Apotheker Consultancy to strengthen pharmaceutical and health systems in Tanzania, other African countries, and Asia.