Making Medicine Easier with eHealth
Vincent K’Omoth, MSF Mobile Implementation Officer
Technology is transforming healthcare, making it easier for doctors and nurses to provide faster, more effective care. With tools like online consultations and electronic health records, even people in remote areas can now access medical services, improving healthcare access. This transformation is something I see every day in my work with Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), where I serve as a mobile implementation officer in the eHealth team, which sees me travel from project to project, using technology to improve healthcare delivery in humanitarian settings.
Growing up in Homa Bay, Kenya, in the 1990s, I saw MSF supporting the Ministry of Health. Then, it was just an organisation I admired – I had no idea that one day I would be a part of it. I started in December 2008 as a data encoder in Lankien, South Sudan, doing a crucial yet seemingly basic task: collecting medical data across various departments. This involved entering patient records and epidemiological information into databases for routine activities and emergency responses. Every detail ensured accurate medical reports and allowed MSF to track healthcare trends. I witnessed firsthand the importance of data in informing medical decisions and shaping healthcare interventions. Today, as a mobile implementation officer, I ensure eHealth – or digital health – solutions are effectively integrated and managed across MSF projects.
What is eHealth or Digital Health?
My job includes overseeing the deployment, maintenance and training on the use of Health Information Systems (HIS) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR). My current portfolio spans projects in Sudan, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Somalia, Nigeria, Syria and others. Apart from on-site deployments, I foster a supportive online community. Our monthly eHealth Online Office Hours provide a platform for users in the field to connect, ask questions and share challenges, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive.
Deploying and maintaining eHealth systems in remote locations comes with its own hurdles. One of the most significant challenges is unreliable internet connectivity, a critical requirement for the current system.
Careful planning, strategic considerations and the ability to adapt to diverse environments are paramount to the success of eHealth initiatives. This involves understanding local contexts, tailoring training approaches and fostering a culture of collaboration between eHealth specialists and healthcare workers in the field.
Looking ahead, I envision a future where eHealth empowers MSF to respond more effectively to health emergencies. A robust eHealth system would enable real-time disease outbreak monitoring and efficient healthcare needs assessments, allowing quicker and more targeted interventions. Additionally, I believe in leveraging e-learning platforms and virtual training sessions to empower local healthcare workers with essential medical knowledge and skills. This will not only strengthen healthcare workforces in underserved areas but also promote sustainable healthcare solutions.
As we continue to navigate and adapt to the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery, I am confident that eHealth will play a crucial role in ensuring that no one is left behind in receiving the care they deserve.