ICT equipment transfer furthers health information infrastructure in Niger

CHISU formally transferred information and communication technology (ICT) equipment to integrated health centers (IHCs) in the Dosso and Tahoua Regions of Niger in September 2024. Niger’s Minister of Health, regional health authorities, the Prefect of the Dosso Region, and traditional and political authorities, joined citizens of Dosso in a ceremony to mark the occasion.

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CHISU's Resident Advisor in Niger and the Minister of Health sign papers to formally transfer ICT equipment.

The equipment included tablets, monitors, and solar kits to power the technology that provides the infrastructure needed for Niger’s digital transformation, a goal made more challenging with limited access to electricity and Internet connectivity in many parts of the country. The new equipment is a first step to reinforcing the local health information system by improving the performance and security of the ICT infrastructure, ensuring reliable and secure access to the Internet, protecting sensitive data against intrusions and malicious attacks, and promoting the use of software and antivirus protections.

IHCs serve as the first point of contact for patients in Niger’s health system, providing promotional, preventive, and curative care to patients across the country. IHC staff are responsible for both entering health data into the National Health Information System and verifying, analyzing, and using that data to inform health service planning in their catchment area. However, many IHC staff have not had access to computers or tablets and need training to effectively use the technology. In 2023, CHISU conducted a joint ICT needs assessment with the Directorate of Statistics that identified several critical areas in need of improvement in the Dosso, Tahoua, Maradi, and Zinder Regions, including:

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CHISU presents ICT equipment to members of Niger's MOH

• Insufficient measures and mechanisms for equipment security and data backup;
• Absence of computer maintenance specialists with server, database, and network administration skills;
• Lack of reliable ICT equipment—34 percent of the 392 IHCs had no computers, and 28 percent had computers that were over three years old.

CHISU procured tablets, monitors, and solar kits to strengthen the country’s health information infrastructure based on these results. The ICT equipment will allow IHC staff to have the appropriate equipment to enter, store, and use health data along with electricity to power the equipment. With these reliable tools, staff are better able to enter IHC-level data, ultimately improving data quality in Dosso and Tahoua.