Using Tech to Save Lives in Sierra Leone

Captivated audience

eHA SL Senior Software Developer, Jasper Timm

eHealth Africa (eHA) is often described as an organization which provides technological solutions to strengthen health systems. But what about the “e” in eHA? At the heart of the electronic systems are dynamic software solutions developed and managed by our global health informatics team.

In a quest to highlight achievements, share current projects, and inspire the emerging tech community, eHA’s Sierra Leone’s Information Systems Information Systems team led a “Hacks/Hackers Meetup” in Freetown this November. Hosted by local collective “Sensi Tech Innovation Hub,” the event brought together a mix of technology enthusiasts and software coders with a passion for health.

eHA disease surveillance software

Team Manager Manuel Loistl and Senior Software Developer Jasper Timm spoke to a packed house about the Information System team’s role in a variety of eHA activities. This included an overview of: how eHA created mobile applications to track Ebola patients and potential patients during the Ebola outbreak and established the 117 emergency call center’s digital interfaces to connect health workers across all regions of Sierra Leone. Currently, the team is customizing DHIS2 software into a disease surveillance system for Sierra Leone, as well as supporting software modifications in a new partnership with VaxTrac. Additionally, Jasper covered important Information Systems processes and systems necessary to generate high-quality digital solutions to meet Sierra Leone’s unique health needs.

Excitement was in the air as many participants stayed after the presentations to engage with the team and play with demos of various software solutions created for different eHA initiatives.

For future opportunities with eHA Sierra Leone’s Information Systems team, please visit our careers webpage(under Informatics). Follow us for more coverage of similar events via Twitter and Facebook.

Thinking Pink and Giving Back

Who says the weekend’s for sleeping in? On Saturday, November 5th the eHealth Africa (eHA) Sierra Leone team laced up their sneakers to participate in the 3rd annual Thinking Pink Breast Cancer Foundation mini-marathon fundraiser.

In recognition of international breast cancer awareness month in October, the run brought together athletes, breast cancer survivors, family members, and the international community. The funds provide care for women unable to afford expensive medication, treatments and procedures. eHA is proud to have participated in a signature community event which motivates health-consciousness and the importance of physical activity.

Some ran, some walked, and some crawled, but nearly ½ of the eHA Sierra Leone office participated in the event and met triumphantly at the finish line. Congratulations to all participants for taking part in such a worthy cause!

Exciting New Partnership to Strengthen Child Immunization in Sierra Leone

Remember eHA’s participation in Sierra Leone's national polio campaign?

More than simply a community exercise, this event served as an important stepping stone toward the launch of an exciting new initiative to strengthen children’s health in Sierra Leone.

eHA is proud to announce its new partnership with VaxTrac, an innovative organization which provides technologies to maximize the effectiveness of vaccination programs in developing countries. Between now and May 2017, partners will collaborate with the Child Health Division at the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) to implement an electronic registry for children’s immunization throughout Sierra Leone.  

“eHA is excited to collaborate with MoHS and VaxTrac to implement a biometric immunization record system. We believe this project will lead to a higher number of children finishing their vaccination plans, as well as establish a robust immunization record system for Sierra Leone.” - Evelyn Castle, Executive Director and Co-Founder of eHealth Africa

Read the full announcement on VaxTrac’s website!