By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Africa CDC has concluded a
primary health care digitalisation mission in The Gambia as part of ongoing
efforts to strengthen maternal and child health systems through digital
transformation initiatives.
The mission forms part of
Africa CDC’s broader African Health Systems Strengthening Digital
Transformation agenda and supports the Triple Zero ambition aimed at achieving
zero home-based deliveries, zero maternal deaths in health facilities, and zero
unvaccinated children.

According to Africa CDC, The
Gambia, with an estimated population of approximately 2.7 million people,
continues to face major maternal and child health challenges, making digital
transformation within the primary health care sector a national priority.
During the mission, Gambian
health authorities outlined key priorities focused on consolidating fragmented
digital health systems, strengthening Ministry-led coordination among
development partners, and leveraging artificial intelligence to improve efficiency
and resilience within the health sector.
A major outcome of the
mission was the rollout of the African Digital Health Maturity Assessment Tool
at national, sub-national, and health facility levels. The assessment was
conducted at facilities including Bundung Maternal and Child Health Hospital and
Sintet Health Centre.

Africa CDC said the
implementation of the assessment tool demonstrates strong national ownership
and commitment toward strengthening digital primary health care systems in the
country.
The initiative is expected
to support improved data management, health service delivery, and coordination
across the healthcare sector as The Gambia advances its digital health
transformation agenda.