Tanzania Health Informatics Association (TAHIA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government, the Pan African Health Informatics Association, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied and other partners, organised a three-day Digital Health Convergence Workshop and TAHIA Launching from 31st July to 2nd August 2023 at Protea Hotel Dar es Salaam Courtyard in Dar es Salaam. The workshop included plenary presentations and interactive discussions, and group work sessions. Topics presented include Tanzania Digital Health Strategy 2019-2024: Priorities, Achievements and Challenges; Tanzania Health Enterprise Architecture Blueprint and Primary Health Care Digital Transformation in Tanzania: Priorities, Achievements and Challenges. Other presentations covered specific digital health initiatives for the six WHO health system building blocks. Emerging themes which needed to be adequately covered in the current digital health strategy were presented. These included the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Strengthening the Health System in Tanzania and the Implementation of interoperability and standards-driven digital health architecture: Case of FHIR (Fast Health Interoperability Resources) and SMART (Standards-based, Machine-readable, Adaptive, Requirements-based, and Testable) Guidelines.
The recent official launch of TAHIA marked a momentous stride towards propelling the nation into the realms of prosperous digital healthcare. This event not only celebrated the realization of a visionary endeavour but also showcased the dedication of those at the forefront of this groundbreaking initiative. Hosted under the able leadership of Dr. Felix Sukums, the organizing committee chairperson for the Digital Health Convergence Workshop in Tanzania and the Launching of TAIA. Prof. Bruno Sunguya, Deputy Vice-Chancellor - Research and Consultancy at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), represented the University during the Launching ceremony.
With participants from various domains of the healthcare landscape, the event offered a platform for dynamic discussions that delved into the core aspects of TAHIA. Attendees representing academia, healthcare institutions, and technology sectors engaged in vibrant dialogues regarding the transformative power of digital health solutions. These discussions centred around the significance of digitalization in healthcare delivery, data privacy, technology integration, and its overarching impact on the nation's well-being.
Key Recommendations:
Throughout the launch event, key recommendations emerged that underscored the path forward for TAHIA and its stakeholders:
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Collaboration and Partnership: Prof. Bruno Sunguya emphasized the collaborative nature of this endeavour. MUHAS pledged unwavering support, positioning itself as a partner, collaborator, and primary beneficiary of these pioneering efforts. The power of collaboration among academia, healthcare practitioners, and technology experts emerged as a central tenet for success.
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Technology-Driven Healthcare: The discussions underscored the pivotal role of technology in revolutionizing healthcare. Delegates accentuated the importance of embracing innovative digital tools to enhance healthcare access, quality, and delivery, which would ultimately contribute to a prosperous nation.
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Visionary Leadership: Dr. Felix Sukums' leadership was lauded for spearheading the realization of this vision. His dedication and foresight set a precedent for visionary leadership in driving transformative change in the healthcare landscape.
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Empowering the Workforce: The launch highlighted the need to prepare healthcare professionals for the digital era. Training and education programs were recommended to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to harness the potential of digital health solutions effectively.
With Dr. Felix Sukums and Prof. Bruno Sunguya at the forefront, MUHAS emerged as a trailblazer in the digital health transformation journey. Their commitment, combined with the dedication of MUHAS members, signifies the institution's proactive stance in catalyzing positive change.
As Tanzania embarks on this digital health odyssey, the launch of TAHIA stands as a pivotal moment that will echo through the annals of the nation's healthcare history. The convergence of visionary leadership, collaborative efforts, and innovative solutions sets the stage for a healthcare revolution that promises improved accessibility, enhanced quality, and a healthier nation overall.
In conclusion, the launch of TAHIA has laid the foundation for a transformative digital healthcare landscape. With Dr. Felix Sukums representing and leading the MUHAS digital health and innovation ecosystem and MUHAS as a steadfast partner, the journey to a prosperous digital health nation has begun. This event not only celebrates the achievements of today but also fuels the aspirations of tomorrow, where healthcare in Tanzania is poised for greatness.
