ICT4Health
Overview
At the African Centre for Women, Information and Communications Technology (ACWICT), our work in Health focuses on empowering healthcare workers with essential digital skills and equipping young women with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed health decisions.
The Importance of Technology in Healthcare
In today’s rapidly evolving world, technology plays a crucial role in improving healthcare outcomes. From enhancing patient management to improving communication and data management among healthcare workers, digital solutions are key to addressing the challenges faced by healthcare systems, particularly in developing countries. The Global Agenda for Sustainable Development 2030 highlights the potential of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to bridge the digital divide and foster innovation in various sectors, including healthcare.
ACWICT recognizes the critical need to integrate digital skills into healthcare delivery to improve access to quality care, especially in remote and underserved areas. Our Health Pillar is focused on building the capacity of healthcare workers to effectively utilize digital tools in their daily operations, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare services.
Empowering Healthcare Workers with Digital Skills
A cornerstone of our work is the empowerment of healthcare workers through targeted digital skills training. We have identified significant gaps in digital literacy among healthcare workers, particularly in regions like Laikipia County, where only 38.3% of healthcare workers had basic ICT skills. By addressing these gaps, we aim to enhance the ability of healthcare workers to manage patient information, access and utilize digital health content, and improve communication within the healthcare system.
Our initiatives include comprehensive training programs that equip healthcare workers with the skills needed to navigate and utilize digital platforms, thereby improving their ability to deliver quality healthcare services. This training not only enhances their technical capabilities but also empowers them to play a more active role in the digital transformation of healthcare.
Addressing Gender Disparities in Healthcare Access
ACWICT’s Health Pillar also places a strong emphasis on addressing gender disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. We recognize that women, particularly those in marginalized communities, often face significant barriers to accessing healthcare. These barriers are exacerbated by a lack of digital literacy and access to technology, which further limits their ability to make informed health decisions.
Through our targeted programs, we aim to bridge this gap by providing young women with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their health. Our programs integrate health education with digital literacy and vocational training, empowering women to make informed decisions about their health and livelihoods. By equipping them with these skills, we are helping to create a generation of women who are not only knowledgeable about their health but also capable of using technology to access the services they need.
Strategic Partnerships and Sustainable Impact
ACWICT’s success in the health sector is bolstered by strategic partnerships with local and international organizations, government bodies, healthcare institutions, and Community-based organizations (CBOs). These partnerships enable us to design and implement programs that are responsive to the needs of the communities we serve. By working closely with stakeholders, we ensure that our programs are sustainable and have a lasting impact on the healthcare system.
Our work in the health sector is not only about digital skilling; it is about transforming lives. By empowering healthcare workers and young women with the skills and knowledge they need, we are helping to build a healthcare system that is more resilient, equitable, and capable of meeting the needs of all Kenyans.
Our Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, ACWICT is committed to expanding our health programs to reach more healthcare workers and young women across Kenya. We will continue to leverage technology and strategic partnerships to improve healthcare delivery and empower marginalized young women and communities.
