ROLE OF PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS IN CREATING ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR IMPROVED DIGITAL HEALTH ECOSYSTEM: CASE STUDY OF TANZANIA HEALTH INFORMATICS ASSOCIATION (TAHIA)
The Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, like artificial intelligence, are reshaping global industries, including healthcare. In 2019, Tanzania launched a digital health strategy (2019-2024) to transform its healthcare system by integrating digital technologies to improve health outcomes. As the strategy’s conclusion nears, the Ministry of Health, alongside stakeholders, hosted a three-day Digital Health Convergence Workshop (CW) in Dar es Salaam from July 31 to August 2, 2023.
The workshop’s purpose was to assess the digital health strategy’s progress, focusing on its five strategic goals and ten objectives. Professional associations, such as the Tanzania Health Informatics Association (TAHIA), play a critical role in organizing these workshops, which provide a collaborative space for stakeholders to evaluate successes and challenges. Through discussions, they create actionable plans to address gaps and enhance Tanzania’s digital health ecosystem, ensuring it meets the needs of the healthcare system.
Strategic Goals of Tanzania's Health Strategy
Strengthened digital health governance and leadership
Improved client experience via high-quality health services
Empowered healthcare personnel for evidence-based actions
Sustained health resource availability
Standardized health information exchange
The Workshop Goals & Objectives
- Enhance understanding and implementation of the National Digital Health
- Develop strategies for strengthening the capacity of health informaticians in
- Promote collaboration in the digital health transformation
Organizers and Participants
Spearheaded by the Tanzania Health Informatics Association (TAHIA), the Ministry of Health, and the President’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (PORALG), other collaborators included the Pan African Health Informatics Association (HELINA), USAID, CDC, GIZ, UNICEF, Different Implementing Partners, Academia, Innovators and Private sector
