Center for Health Market Innovations (CHMI)

Programs

Afya Mtandao

last updated Apr 17, 2012

Overview

Implementing organization: 
IICD
Implementation Partner(s): 
Christian Social Service Commission (CSSC)
Legal Status: 
Private (not-for-profit)
Year Launched: 
2008
Stage: 
Pilot/startup stage
Income Level of Target Population: 
Bottom 20%, 20-60% (lower to lower-middle)

Funding

Primary Source of Funding: 
Donor
Additional Source(s) of Funding: 
Donor

Technology

Technology Used: 
Phones › Apps/Software, Computer › Apps/Software, Phones › Internet, Computer › Internet, Radio/TV
Technology Purpose: 
Improving Data Management › Data Collection, Extending Geographic Access, Improving Data Management › Data Organization/Analysis, Facilitating Patient Communications › General Health Education, Improving Diagnosis and Treatment
Technology Partner(s): 
InterAccess

Scale

Replication: 
Afya Mtandao is focusing on the Lake Zone as the pilot area for the project, but aims to scale up and cover the remaining parts of Tanzania in the near future.
Scope: 
Being able to interact and question the doctor about his experience has had an enormous impact on the group. Many of the health workers are now buzzing with excitement about the potential of telemedicine for the region. It can bring specialist help to the remote hospitals without requiring face to face contact between patient and doctor. Mr. Dotto Bulendu, director of Radio SAUT Mwanza, who attended workshop, sees Telemedicine as “key” to saving lives. It reduces the currently huge financial burden of finding and receiving expert care, which in many cases is foregone due to financial constraints
Summary: 

Afya Mtandao, unites Tanzanian health workers and promotes the use of ICT in the health sector by providing a knowledge-sharing platform for health workers, raising awareness of ICT in the health sector and providing ICT support services for health institutions.

Program goals/rationale: 

Health workers in Tanzania experience difficulties in accessing and sharing health-related information. The use of ICT will increase access to this information, improving the efficiency and effectiveness health care delivery. AfyaMtandao promotes the use of ICT in the health sector, by providing a knowledge sharing platform for health workers, raising awareness on ICT for Health, and by providing ICT support services for health institutions.

AfyaMtandao’s main objectives are to: • Set up a network- create an organizational nucleus around which members can exchange knowledge, share experiences and innovate ICT in the field of health care delivery in Tanzania. • To assure timely and effective technical ICT support to its members through local training of staff members and ICT support service providers and stimulate the development of a pool of consultants. Additional options are distance trouble-shooting, sub contracting of local technical advisors if desired by the members. • Build online communities- Build and develop health professional’s online communities around areas like Telemedicine, health management information systems and e-learning. • Undertake development projects, including studies, research, training and consultancies in all areas of Health including Health Management Information Systems (HMIS), Telemedicine, eLearning and Continuous Professional Development for health workers. These activities should contribute to the sustainability of the overhead of AfyaMtandao contribute to knowledge sharing and AfyaMtandao ICT support services.

Key program components: 

Afya Mtandao, Tanzania’s national ICT for Development (ICT4D) health network, is testing a new social health website. With the website, hospitals and health institutions using ICT tools can share their experiences and read news about ICT in the health sector.

Program history: 

Afya Mtandao (Swahili for Health Network) - was officially launched in January 2008 in Mwanza, Tanzania. It is a network under Christian Social Services Commission (CSSC), an umbrella organization of church institutions. It was established in 2008 to facilitate the provision of health services in Tanzania through the use of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies). AfyaMtandao focuses on Health Knowledge Sharing, and ICT support services for health institutions.

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