Mixed progress for South Africa's digital health goals: MomConnect shines, patient ID falters

I have just completed rereading the National Digital Health Strategy for South Africa (2019-2024), and it unquestionably a good document. It's easy to overlook the fact that you're dealing with the South African government, given the impressive content. South Africa excel in producing plans. Remember the NDP, ASGISA, RDP and many others.

This digital health strategy serves as a continuation of the eHealth Strategy (2012-2016), both of which are robust and meticulously planned initiatives aimed at transitioning our healthcare system into the digital age. You get excited reading it then you remember NHI pilot projects mess! NDHS(2019-2024) is well thought-out and follows the National Development Plan (NDP) health goals, NHI, and Universal Health Coverage (UHC). It was created with the help of experts in healthcare and digital technology, making it credible. NDHS(2019-2024) emphasizes the importance of taking care of healthcare providers. But, unfortunately, we found out that almost 1000 community healthcare doctors are without jobs. This brings us back to reality and shows the challenges we face despite the ambitious goals in the plan.

Looking at the NDHS (2019-2024) goals, the plan aimed to improve governance structures, create strong information systems, use a common identifier for patients, and enhance mobile health capabilities like MomConnect. These are important goals, and now in 2024, we can check some progress.

MomConnect

MomConnect has been a great success for the Department of Health. It's a free messaging service, partly using artificial intelligence, that connects pregnant women with healthcare providers through WhatsApp and text messages. The app guides women through pregnancy stages and encourages healthy behaviors. Created by the Praekelt Foundation, two-thirds of pregnant women in South Africa use it. This is a big win for the health department. The App has been so successful that it is been extended to other countries in Africa. MomConnect has received great reviews for some credible healthcare organization worldwide. Massive success for SA health department.

Patients digital identifier

This was suppose to facilitate the exchange of data as patients move from one health facility to another. Using a common identifier for patients at different health levels has had mixed results. It's still hard to track patients across health facilities because many clinics use different identifiers like names, dates of birth, IDs, phone numbers, and facility-specific file numbers. Using names raises confidentiality and data linkage issues. There's work to be done here.

Despite the challenges, there's a good foundation to build on. Digital transformation is still possible, and we should highlight successful examples. Partnering with the private sector has been successful, letting the government focus on policy and program management. The lack of old infrastructure turned into an advantage, allowing us to use new technologies without old problems.