Data-driven health systems are key to responding to COVID-19 and beyond

Today, as we celebrate World Health Day, our hearts go out to families all over the world who have lost loved ones during the COVID-19 outbreak. This year’s theme is to celebrate the vital work of nurses and midwives in keeping the world healthy. We commend nurses and other healthcare workers at the forefront of the COVID-19 response for their inspiring and dedicated work!

Although the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa is low, the outbreak has now spread to 52 countries. Due to fragile health systems, Africa is expected to be hit hardest by the outbreak. The poor and most vulnerable people on the continent are the least prepared to adopt preventive measures, including social distancing and hygiene to limit the spread of the outbreak.

Meanwhile, other patients are at risk; we are already observing that healthcare utilization at the facilities is dropping as patients are afraid to get infected. Babies are not going on lockdown, and the response of African countries should therefore not only target COVID but also protect vulnerable populations from increased maternal deaths or from diseases such as HIV/AIDS from being affected by the crisis.

Fortunately, many governments across Africa have been taking immediate measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, fearing that their weak health systems will be quickly crippled if the outbreak spreads beyond the few current confirmed cases on the continent. It is important, however, that international, collective actions help reduce the spread of the virus, save lives and minimize social and economic impacts. And that no country is left on their own.

For African countries to avoid the devastation that COVID-19 has caused in Europe, the US and parts of Asia, early detection, effective surveillance, and quick response are critical. Strong data-driven health systems are the most effective way to respond to the outbreak. The rise of mobile technology and digital platforms in Africa offers the opportunity to deliver all stakeholders the much-needed insights in the spread of the epidemic and the impact of preventive measures. It also offers a great way to communicate directly with its citizens, as verified information at a time of fake news, is critical to the COVID response.

Real-time collection of data also ensures transparency in the delivery, utilization, costs of care and availability of funds. Due to increased transparency, the delivery system and health outcomes can be improved with targeted and direct funding to deliver more value for more people. This is particularly important during a crisis when it is critical not only to address the outbreak but also to commit resources to other healthcare needs. COVID-19 is new but the extent to which countries are able to respond reflects years of investment made in their health systems.

PharmAccess is using its technology and data to help with the immediate emergency response. To name a few examples: together with CarePay and scientists at Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, we are using the data that the M-TIBA platform that is collecting data from more than 2,500 healthcare providers all over Kenya, to support the government with dashboards and insights to help them prepare for and monitor the pandemic. The same platform is used to send text messages to residents of Kisumu County, Kenya. We are also using our digital platform to inform residents of Kisumu county, Kenya, on COVID-19 health-related issues.

The Medical Credit Fund is assisting private healthcare providers with flexible lending, including working capital financing through our digital lending solutions. We extend emergency loans to healthcare providers to cope with the crisis.

In Tanzania, PharmAccess is engaged in the collection of samples for COVID-19 tests at hospitals as well as in the diagnosis at the national laboratory.

SafeCare is working with healthcare providers to improve their quality with an emphasis on patient safety and infection control. We are also working on several new initiatives with new partners, to respond effectively to COVID-19, and we are seeking more partnerships to join forces in these uncertain times.

At PharmAccess, our commitment to investing in and using technology and data to strengthen African health systems remains strong. With that, we are actively seeking partnerships to join forces in these uncertain times, as cooperation is key to fighting this pandemic.