COVID-19 Digital Technology Response in Sub-Saharan African Countries

Alao, Abiodun; Brink, Roelien

doi:10.4018/978-1-7998-8915-1.ch004

Cited by 2 publications

References 28 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

Availability of published evidence on coverage, cost components, and funding support for digitalisation of infectious disease surveillance in Africa, 2003–2022: a systematic review

Kaburi,

Harries,

Hauri

et al. 2024

BMC Public Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background The implementation of digital disease surveillance systems at national levels in Africa have been challenged by many factors. These include user applicability, utility of IT features but also stable financial support. Funding closely intertwines with implementations in terms of geographical reach, disease focus, and sustainability. However, the practice of evidence sharing on geographical and disease coverage, costs, and funding sources for improving the implementation of these systems on the continent is unclear. Objectives To analyse the key characteristics and availability of evidence for implementing digital infectious disease surveillance systems in Africa namely their disease focus, geographical reach, cost reporting, and external funding support. Methods We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed and grey literature for the period 2003 to 2022 (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022300849). We searched five databases (PubMed, MEDLINE over Ovid, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) and websites of WHO, Africa CDC, and public health institutes of African countries. We mapped the distribution of projects by country; identified reported implementation cost components; categorised the availability of data on cost components; and identified supporting funding institutions outside Africa. Results A total of 29 reports from 2,033 search results were eligible for analysis. We identified 27 projects implemented in 13 countries, across 32 sites. Of these, 24 (75%) were pilot projects with a median duration of 16 months, (IQR: 5–40). Of the 27 projects, 5 (19%) were implemented for HIV/AIDs and tuberculosis, 4 (15%) for malaria, 4 (15%) for all notifiable diseases, and 4 (15%) for One Health. We identified 17 cost components across the 29 reports. Of these, 11 (38%) reported quantified costs for start-up capital, 10 (34%) for health personnel compensation, 9 (31%) for training and capacity building, 8 (28%) for software maintenance, and 7(24%) for surveillance data transmission. Of 65 counts of external funding sources, 35 (54%) were governmental agencies, 15 (23%) foundations, and 7 (11%) UN agencies. Conclusions The evidence on costing data for the digitalisation of surveillance and outbreak response in the published literature is sparse in quantity, limited in detail, and without a standardised reporting format. Most initial direct project costs are substantially donor dependent, short lived, and thus unsustainable.

show abstract

Availability of published evidence on coverage, cost components, and funding support for digitalisation of infectious disease surveillance in Africa, 2003–2022: a systematic review

Kaburi,

Harries,

Hauri

et al. 2024

BMC Public Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Adaptation to Pandemic Through Universal Access to Innovative Technologies

Alao

Brink

2022

Advances in Information Quality and Management

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The implementation of information technology into the healthcare sector is inevitable to prevent future pandemics, as COVID-19 had a huge impact on healthcare services and humanity. Therefore, universal access to technologies in managing unforeseen pandemics is necessary. The objective of this study is to examine how healthcare institutions use innovative technologies to address future pandemics. The study reflects on one of the targets of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9, which is to significantly increase access to IT and strive to provide universal and affordable technology access to global citizens by 2030. This is to obtain the vision to work towards building an open, inclusive, and digital network for a secure future. This study used discourse analysis to critically analyze the use of innovative technologies like AI systems, machine learning, the internet, mobile phones, mobile computing, and other technologies adopted to manage the global pandemic. This study recommends to policymakers the importance of universal access to innovative technology to address pandemic issues.

show abstract

COVID-19 Digital Technology Response in Sub-Saharan African Countries

Cited by 2 publications

References 28 publications

Availability of published evidence on coverage, cost components, and funding support for digitalisation of infectious disease surveillance in Africa, 2003–2022: a systematic review

Availability of published evidence on coverage, cost components, and funding support for digitalisation of infectious disease surveillance in Africa, 2003–2022: a systematic review

Adaptation to Pandemic Through Universal Access to Innovative Technologies

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About