Harnessing digital technology for Covid-19 response in Uganda

Lessons and implications for future public health emergencies

Dados Bibliográficos

ID21879880
AutoresRawlance Ndejjo (0000-0001-9263-557X, Makerere University, autor correspondente), Steven Ndugwa Kabwama (0000-0002-0354-9571, Makerere University), Alice Namale (0009-0004-4459-3087, Makerere University), Andrew K Tusubira (0000-0003-0435-3666, Makerere University), Irene Wanyana (0009-0005-8613-8493, Makerere University), Susan Kizito (0009-0004-0517-682X, Makerere University), Suzanne N Kiwanuka (0000-0003-4729-4897, Makerere University), Rhoda K Wanyenze (0000-0001-5864-3314, Makerere University)
Ano2023
Volume8
FascículoSuppl 6
Páginase013288
Data de publicação2023-10-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoBMJ Global Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 2059-7908 • E-ISSN: 2059-7908
EditoraBMJ (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013288
PMID37793838
OpenAlexW4387330202
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas5
Referências citadas23

COVID-19 was one of the greatest disruptors of the 21st century, causing significant morbidity and mortality globally. Countries around the world adopted digital technologies and innovations to support the containment of the pandemic. This study explored the use of digital technology and barriers to its utilisation in responding to COVID-19 and sustaining essential health services in Uganda to inform response to future public health emergencies in low-resource settings. We reviewed published and grey literature on the use of digital technology in Uganda’s response from March 2020 to April 2021 and conducted interviews with key informants. We thematically synthesised and summarised information on digital technology use as well as related challenges. During the COVID-19 response, digital technology was used in testing, contact tracing and surveillance, risk communication, supportive supervision and training, and maintenance of essential health services. The challenges with technology use were the disparate digital tools and health information systems leading to duplication of effort; limited access and coverage of digital tools, poor data quality; inaccessibility of data and an inability to support data manipulation, analysis and visualisation. Moreover, the inherent inadequate technology support systems such as poor internet and electricity infrastructure in some areas posed challenges of inequity. The harnessing of technology was key in supporting the COVID-19 response in Uganda. However, gaps existed in access, adoption, harmonisation, evaluation, sustainability and scale up of technology options. These issues should be addressed in preparedness efforts to foster technology adoption and application in public health emergencies with a focus on equity

Business · Digital health · Economic growth · Economics · Health care · Knowledge management · Political science · Preparedness · Public health · Public relations · Sustainability · Computer Science · COVID-19 diagnosis using AI · COVID-19 Digital Contact Tracing · COVID-19 epidemiological studies · Medicine · Nursing