A pivotal moment was witnessed in Nairobi as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) handed over IT equipment procured under the European Union and the German government through the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) co-funded project.
The event saw the formal handing over of Information Technology (IT) equipment to the Ministry of Health of Kenya, as well as to cross border locations in the counties of Mandera, Busia & Moyale.
The procurement and distribution of this IT equipment forms an integral part of the project titled “European Union – EU Digital Solutions to Strengthen Disease Surveillance and Monitoring Systems for COVID-19 in the IGAD Region.”
The initiative aims to implement a regional, transnational and real time monitoring and analysis system (SORMAS) in the IGAD region. This platform will allow flow of health information and data between IGAD member states towards containment and control of pandemics and prevent propagation across borders. In particular, the hardware procured will improve data management practices (collection, collation, transmission, analysis, and sharing) increasing the efficiency of disease surveillance processes.
Dr Fatuma Adan, IGAD Head of Mission for the Republic of Kenya representing the IGAD Executive Secretary, handed over the Information Technology Equipment to Ms. Mary Muriuki, HSC, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards.
Ms. Muriuki mentioned, “We therefore accept with appreciation as they (IT Equipment) symbolize more than just technological devices; but they embody hope, progress, and the potential to save lives. Their significance lies in the vital role they will play in our mission to foster cross-border collaboration and fortify our response to the myriad challenges that afflict public health.”
Adding to the sentiments, Dr. Fatuma Adan, reiterated the organization’s commitment to the project and the profound respect they hold for the EU-led initiative. “The IGAD donation of the ICT equipment today will significantly contribute to the Universal Health (UHC) program and will also be part of IGAD’s contribution for the Mashuja Day which is fast approaching,” she affirmed.
This handover is a part of the EU’s dedicated endeavor, in response to the Call of Action by the Heads of State of IGAD countries in 2020. Total Project Volume is Euro 8.4M – with 80% of this by the EU and 20percent from BMZ, this project is coordinated by IGAD.
The range of IT equipment, encompassing laptops, desktops, tablets, UPS’s, printers, and more, will be dispatched to the Kenyan MoH, as well as to three other cross-border sites – Mandera, Moyale and Busia.
This IT equipment will be integrated within the existing IDSR system and allow for the exchange of health data for disease surveillance systems at various levels: health units at cross-border points, health facilities, sub-national health offices, and overarching Ministries of Health offices. In essence, the procured hardware seeks to elevate data management practices, making disease surveillance more efficient and streamlined.
Subsequent IGAD Member States are set to host analogous handover ceremonies as equipment reaches their borders, further strengthening the collaborative front against health crises in the region.
