Without digital health, no country can achieve universal health coverage —Stakeholders

STAKEHOLDERS agree that Nigeria and other African nations cannot achieve universal health coverage unless digital health is implemented in an ethical, equitable, and secure manner.

Speaking at the Global Emerging Pathogens Treatment (GET) Consortium webinar in August, which was themed “Digital Health Innovations and Data Management for Strengthening Health Systems in Africa,” the speakers stated that while digital health technologies and data-driven tools are rapidly transforming Africa’s health systems, gaps in infrastructure, data governance, and workforce capacity remain significant obstacles to scaling up and ensuring sustainability.

Health Information System, Health Research, and Digital Health Strategic Health Information Unit officer at the World Health Organization, Pharmacist Nkiruka Ukor stated that digital health and data are like oil—the essential ingredient that can drive significant change and achieve lasting impacts in health.

According to Pharmacist Ukor, one of the six components of the health system is the health information system, and improving it is essential for achieving universal health coverage, enhancing system resilience, and improving overall health system performance.

“Digital health can serve as a strategic tool to improve access, expand coverage for universal health coverage (UHC), and enhance financial efficiency in the health sector. It has the potential to save lives and improve the quality of life for everyone.”

“It is well established that no country can achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) without digital health. This is because inefficiencies exist across all health systems, and digital solutions can help address these gaps. Without digital health to bridge these inefficiencies, how can we make significant progress toward achieving UHC?”

“The World Health Organization (WHO) believes that digital health and the data it generates are essential for building resilient, equitable, and learning health systems. However, this must be supported by strong national leadership, standards-based interoperability, and ethical governance—all of which are non-negotiable.”

Pharmacist Ukor stated that although digital technologies can be innovative in strengthening the health system, it is equally important to evaluate their impact and ensure that these investments do not unnecessarily divert resources from other non-digital approaches.

She added: “Nigeria is on a path toward a more integrated, resilient, and data-driven health system. However, scaling, interoperability, increasing labour capacity, strengthening governance, and enhancing data systems will all be necessary for success.”

Managing Director of Digital Health Platforms Limited, Mr Femi Olapegba, speaking on “Digital Health Innovation in Lagos State: The SHIP Story,” stated that the Lagos Smart Health Information Platform will significantly enhance effectiveness by enabling early detection, targeted intervention, and informed decision-making in the Lagos State Ministry of Health’s initiatives.

According to him, the Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP) will benefit patients, providers, and policymakers by serving as the digital health information backbone infrastructure that integrates various aspects of the health landscape to deliver efficient health and social care services.

Mr Olapegba said that 10 secondary care facilities and 20 primary health centres (PHCs) have already been onboarded. The Lagos Blood Transfusion Service has been fully digitalized and integrated into SHIP and the issuance of SHIP care numbers will commence in September.

“We are also finalising the digitalisation of HEFAMAA. This means that quacks will no longer be able to operate in Lagos, as all practitioners will be digitally identified. Additionally, patients will be provided with tools to help them determine if a facility is operating outside of regulations.”

Dr. Busola Shonowo, Manager of Health Tech at Anadach Group, stated that without policy, infrastructure, and human capacity, innovations such as digital health will remain fragile.

“Digital health is not the responsibility of a single group; it requires collaboration across multiple sectors. We need governments to provide policy and regulation, the private sector to contribute financing and innovation, and the development of partnerships as well.”

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