Strengthening eHealth Systems to Support Universal Health Coverage in sub-Saharan Africa |
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Authors: | Adebowale Ojo Herman Tolentino Steven S Yoon |
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Institution: | 1. Division of Global HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA ; 2. Public Health Informatics Fellowship Program, Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA |
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Abstract: | The aim of universal health coverage (UHC) is to ensure that all individuals in a country have access to quality healthcare services and do not suffer financial hardship in using these services. However, progress toward attaining UHC has been slow, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The use of information and communication technologies for healthcare, known as eHealth, can facilitate access to quality healthcare at minimal cost. eHealth systems also provide the information needed to monitor progress toward UHC. However, in most countries, eHealth systems are sometimes non-functional and do not serve programmatic purposes. Therefore, it is crucial to implement strategies to strengthen eHealth systems to support UHC. This perspective piece proposes a conceptual framework for strengthening eHealth systems to attain UHC goals and to help guide UHC and eHealth strategy development. |
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Keywords: | eHealth Universal Health Coverage global health sub-Saharan Africa |
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