The Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) demonstrated its proactive commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage in Tanzania through active participation in the UNITE – Omuka Hub Parliamentary Roundtable on Digital Health. The highly anticipated event took place from June 17th to 18th, 2023, at the Nashera Hotel in Dodoma. At the forefront of the digital health transformation discussions was Dr. Felix Sukums, an esteemed digital health consultant from the Directorate of ICT, who played a pivotal role as a facilitator.
The UNITE - Omuka Hub Parliamentary Roundtable on Digital Health convened an impressive assembly of esteemed participants, representing a diverse spectrum of stakeholders. This included distinguished members of parliament, esteemed journalists, officials from local government authorities, influential civil society organizations, key figures from government institutions, and passionate youth advocates. Central to the event was the captivating presentation delivered by Dr. Sukums, who drew extensively from his wealth of experience in conceiving, implementing, and assessing national digital health strategies, alongside deploying a range of digital health interventions. His presentation delved into the multifaceted advantages offered by robust health data governance frameworks, resonating both on a global scale and within Tanzania's borders. Dr. Sukums also shared valuable insights into the existing structure and operational procedures governing health data in the Tanzanian context.
The core discussions of the roundtable centered around the pivotal roles that parliamentary members and other influential stakeholders play in fortifying Tanzania's digital health and data ecosystems. The event placed a significant emphasis on fostering collaborative partnerships, effective governance models, policy formulation, and strategic resource allocation as the driving forces behind successful digital health and data governance initiatives. As the deliberations unfolded, the event emerged as an invaluable platform for a rich exchange of progressive ideas, astute insights, and exemplary best practices among a distinguished gathering of seasoned professionals and authoritative decision-makers within the realm of digital health.
In conclusion, MUHAS's dynamic participation in the UNITE – Omuka Hub Parliamentary Roundtable on Digital Health signifies a substantial stride towards the realization of Universal Health Coverage in Tanzania. Dr. Felix Sukums' pivotal role as a facilitator, along with the assembly of influential participants, attests to the event's significance in forging a progressive path forward for digital health and data governance in the nation. The discussions, insights, and recommendations stemming from this exceptional forum are poised to catalyze transformative advancements in Tanzania's healthcare landscape.
