The Sum of It's Parts: Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response - The Story of Liberia's Growing Health Information System

Abstract

This panel will share how initial investments in digital health made during Liberia s Ebola outbreak paved the way for a strengthened health system using interoperable digital tools such as a new electronic Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response eIDSR system Using a storytelling format Speakers will convey how the eIDSR system came about from their vantage point highlighting the challenges and successes in development and in ensuring a strong model of global collaboration across multiple donors and implementers The session will cover how mHero an interoperable SMS platform connecting health workers and the Ministry of Health was developed in response to the epidemic how it triggered collaboration to strengthen the health information system and the Ministry s request for eIDSR and how the Principles for Digital Development were adhered to in developing these systems Liberia s eIDSR story demonstrates that through collaboration and innovation digital health initiatives can be country owned and resilient in the face of constant constraints on funding Presented by Luke BawoCoordinatorLiberia Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Stephen GbanyanDirectorMinistry of Health Social Welfare Liberia Ally ShabanHealth Workforce Technologist IntraHealth International Emily NicholsonSenior Informatics OfficerIntraHealth International Leah McManusTechnical Program ManagerIntraHealth International