Empowering Communities Through Data: Saleh Umar Vulegbo’s Story with eHealth Africa’s EMID App

Group photo of eHealth Africa's training team, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) training team, and Health Workers from Lapal Local Government Area  following the EMID cascade training in NIger State.

By Tijesu Ojumu

In the heart of Lapai Local Government Area in Niger State, Nigeria, Saleh Umar Vulegbo stands as a beacon of hope and efficiency. Working as a data recorder at the Bow Comprehensive Primary Health Center, Saleh's dedication to his community is evident in every entry he makes and every record he keeps. His journey, intertwined with the Electronic Management of Immunization Data (EMID) by the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) and optimized by eHealth Africa with funding from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), is a testament to the power of technology and training in transforming lives and communities.

Saleh’s introduction to data recording and immunization came early in his career. “The first time I started hearing about data recording and immunization was when I began my work,” he recalls. “Without recording, it means you haven’t done anything because the record speaks on behalf of any assignment you did in your facility or local government.” This realization fueled his passion for data accuracy and reliability, ensuring that every immunization was documented meticulously.

The turning point in Saleh’s career came with the introduction of the EMID app. Before this innovation, data recording was a laborious task, relying on pen and paper. The transition to electronic data management was revolutionary. “The day I was introduced to the system, inputting and outputting data electronically, was memorable. Before then, everything was done with pen and paper. Now, things have turned to electronics,” he reflects.

The EMID app not only simplified data recording but also enhanced accuracy and traceability. “With EMID, you input biodata, scan a QR code, and take a personal picture to identify the person. It’s much more efficient than the old pen-and-paper method. It’s easier to identify and locate individuals now,” Saleh explains. This technological leap meant that immunization records were no longer confined to dusty registers but were accessible and verifiable in real time.

eHealth Africa’s role in this transformation cannot be overstated. After optimizing the EMID native app, eHealth Africa conducted comprehensive training, ensuring that health workers across Nigeria’s 36 states, 774 local government areas, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, were proficient in using the EMID app. The training program equipped data recorders like Saleh with the skills needed to navigate the digital landscape. For Saleh, this training was more than just skill acquisition; it was empowerment. “The world is moving from hard copy to digital. Anything you do now is being watched globally. You must come out boldly and be transparent in your work,” he emphasizes.

Saleh’s mentor, an experienced Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) officer, played a significant role in shaping his career. “He coached me since I was a child, teaching me the importance of monitoring and evaluation through proper reporting,” Saleh says. This mentorship, combined with eHealth Africa’s training, positioned Saleh as a crucial player in his community’s health system.

Saleh Umar Vulegbo, data recorder at the Bow Comprehensive Primary Health Center, Lapal LGA, Niger State.

Saleh’s impact extends beyond data recording. His dedication ensures that immunization programs run smoothly, with accurate data guiding every step. His work serves as a foundation for decision-making, policy formulation, and resource allocation. By maintaining precise records, Saleh helps safeguard his community against preventable diseases, contributing to a healthier future.

eHealth Africa’s optimized EMID app has revolutionized the way immunization data is managed, making the process seamless and efficient. Their commitment to training and empowering health workers like Saleh has had a ripple effect, enhancing healthcare delivery across Nigeria. Saleh’s story is a shining example of how technology, when coupled with proper training and dedication, can transform lives and communities.

In the words of Saleh, “In this global world, anything you do now is being watched. Inputting data into systems means everyone can see what you’re doing in real time, and it ensures accountability and accuracy.” His story is a reminder that behind every data point is a human story, a commitment to excellence, and a desire to make a difference.

Through Saleh’s eyes, we see the profound impact of eHealth Africa’s efforts both in optimizing the EMID app and in disseminating training to empower healthcare workers to use the app. Their work not only streamlines processes but also inspires individuals to rise above challenges, making meaningful contributions to their communities. As we celebrate these achievements, we are reminded that the heart of innovation lies in the people who bring it to life.

OutREACH: eHealth Africa, Clinic Collaborate to Tackle Non-Communicable Diseases

by Moshood Isah

Hypertension is a major public health problem in Nigeria, with prevalence of 37.5%. This means that nearly 4 out of 10 Nigerian adults have hypertension. Similarly the prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide, and Nigeria is no exception; an estimated 7% of adults in Nigeria have diabetes, making it among the most common cardiovascular diseases in the country.

Unfortunately,  lack of access to quality and affordable hypertension and diabetes services in rural communities and primary health care is a major concern. This is largely due to  disparity in access to quality healthcare, especially between rural and urban areas in Nigeria as a result of  economic, social, geographic, and health workforce factors. For instance, the secondary health facilities where the few drugs are, with the facility for testing and the medical professionals are far from the rural communities, making access difficult. This is exacerbated by the high cost of medications, making it difficult for some clients to afford the treatment they need, resulting in low treatment outcomes.

Thus, adapting and digitizing  the World Health Organisation Package of Essential Noncommunicable (PEN) disease interventions for primary health care, eHealth Africa is collaborating with the EHA Clinic Reaching Everyone with Accessible Community Healthcare (REACH) program to reach out to marginalized communities with healthcare interventions. This, according to the Project Manager Lucy Okoye, is aimed at improving access to quality care and affordable services for persons with hypertension and diabetes and others at risk. 

She said, “Social mobilization activities will increase rural communities' knowledge of hypertension and diabetes”, saying  the identification of risk factors and the signs of hypertension and diabetes will likely result in the adoption of a preventive healthy lifestyle and prompt seeking of treatment. Another potential impact of the intervention according to her is to reduce the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes and improve the health and well-being of the target communities, helping people to live longer and lead healthier lives. 

In February, eHealth Africa supported the free medical outreach conducted in the Kuje community of the Federal Capital Territory and Gyadi-Gyadi community of Kano state. According to Adawiya, Mahmud Ila, Product and Quality Assurance Coordinator at the EHA REACH clinic said the outreach is an opportunity to reach the people accessible and  to provide free healthcare within the community. 

“We are having an outreach where we see hypertension and diabetic patients,we measure the blood pressure and fasten blood sugar.”  If there is a need for us to give hypertensive and glycine medication we give them which is going to be free for 6 months”, she said.

She said, the economic realities in developing countries like Nigeria limits citizens especially the older generation from accessing good medical care.  She said, “You know how the economy is in Nigeria; economically it's hard for them to go to the hospital so we are just trying to make an impact in the community”.

Speaking on community acceptance and mobilization strategy for the outreach, Adawiya said, the partners leveraged on its Community Health Extension Workers (CHEW) to discuss the impact of the intervention  with traditional leaders and community influencers. 

Community Feedback

Zainab Abdullahi is  a resident of Kasuwan Dare area of Gyadi-Gyadi community of Kano state. She heard of the REACH Clinic Outreach through community influencers. “Now they checked our BP,Blood sugar level and from here we will proceed to see the doctor”, she said. 

Zainab lauded the outreach initiative saying the community is receptive to ideas like this. “the hospital environment is clean and welcoming and this is why you can see close to 100 people coming for this outreach”.  “If they can spread their tentacles and establish  this kind of hospital in all areas, we will be happy so that everyone will visit the nearest hospital rather than going far from home to access healthcare”, she said.  There is also a need to have additional doctors to attend to a growing number of patients in a bid to reduce waiting time, she said.

Ahmed Salisu Musa has spent 45 years in the community.  He expressed his excitement saying the outreach has brought good healthcare delivery to his doorstep. “They took my blood samples, gave me some medications and I was told, I am not diabetic”, he said

He said, “as a community leader myself, I am glad to  have witnessed what is happening and will pull  in more people to come and get checked.” Musa called for increased mobilization of citizens and more importantly expansion of the intervention to reach other communities.