UAG Tests the Immunization Registry in Zambia
Mar 17, 2016
Posted in People, Policies & Practices, Products
All software developers know that for a system to be truly useful, it must be accepted by the users. In February, after months of development, the BID Initiative Zambia hit the road for the first ever user testing with the User Advisory Group (UAG) to get a sense of how the immunization registry performed with the people who will actually be using it.
Read MoreA Focus on Strong Health Systems and Data Use at MCIA
Mar 10, 2016
Posted in Packaging, People, Policies & Practices, Products
At the inaugural Ministerial Conference on Immunization in Africa (MCIA), there weren’t questions around the BID Initiative’s success to date, but how soon could we scale across our two demonstration countries to strengthen health systems and create a data-use culture.
Read MoreMatrona Reaches More Children with Tanzania’s Immunization Registry
Mar 2, 2016
Posted in People, Policies & Practices, Products
On a recent visit to Terrat Dispensary in Arusha City Council district, I sat down with nurse Matrona Silayo to discuss her role and how the new electronic immunization registry is positively impacting her work. At the facility, Matrona’s role largely involves work in the Reproductive Child Health clinic to manage stock, administer vaccines, create reports, and educate mothers on general child health and immunization.
Read MoreHow do we improve health around the world?
Feb 24, 2016
Posted in Packaging, People, Policies & Practices, Practices, Products
Improving poor data quality and use is a complicated problem to solve. There isn’t a single, one size fits all solution that can truly address this challenge in a scalable, sustainable way. At the BID Initiative, we believe that the collection of multiple interventions is key to helping address data quality and use challenges. We need a holistic investment in data management policies and practices, information system products, and the people who will use them.
Read MoreTeam Member Spotlight: Liz Peloso
Feb 18, 2016
Posted in General
The BID Initiative team works across three countries in the United States, Tanzania, and Zambia. This week, we learn more about Liz Peloso, Senior Global Engagement Advisor, Zambia.
Read MoreCelebrating Progress, Looking Forward: the BLN Discussion Meeting
Feb 11, 2016
Posted in BID Learning Network (BLN), People, Policies & Practices, Practices, Products
International development is a collaborative effort, and the BLN Discussion Meeting showed collaboration at work. Held in Arusha, Tanzania from December 7 to 10, the BLN Meeting was a chance for over 60 representatives from fifteen countries and various partner organizations to discuss the challenges and successes of developing and implementing eHealth strategies and data use interventions.
Read MoreChange takes time, but not too much
Feb 9, 2016
Posted in People, Policies & Practices, Products
I have always liked this quote by Bill Gates, as it reflects both my own experience in global health as well as the changing digital health landscape. A little over eight years ago, I started at PATH. Year one was quite a shock after working for 18 years in software and international trade. The business model, the acronyms—all were new to me and I knew next to nothing about global health. But I had amazing colleagues who took the time to educate me, listening to and answering my constant questions. While we came from different backgrounds, we shared a desire to change the world.
Read MoreData sharing that works
Jan 28, 2016
Posted in Policies & Practices, Products
Collecting and using data is great in theory. Data can help measure progress, streamline processes, empower decision-makers, and create a better experience overall for those receiving services. In practice though, sharing data to support these positive outcomes can be a bit messy. As people invest in and develop ownership in a data system, an agreed upon set of practices and governance rules is needed to facilitate sharing between systems.
Read More2015 highlights and looking ahead
Jan 14, 2016
Posted in General
2016 is off to a strong and busy start, with many important events and milestones in the weeks and months ahead. Before getting caught up in the new year’s flurry of activity, I wanted to reflect briefly on all we achieved in 2015. It was a year of many highlights, some difficult challenges, many lessons learned, and the halfway point of our grant.
Read MoreReflections from the field: Better data, better health.
Jan 12, 2016
Posted in BID Learning Network (BLN), People, Policies & Practices, Products
Last month I was in Arusha to participate in the BID Learning Network discussion meeting and visit facilities where the BID Initiative is working to enhance immunization and overall health service delivery through improved data collection, quality, and use.
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