In an exciting leap toward modernizing Somaliland’s health system, the Ministry of Health Development (MOHD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Population Services International (PSI) to craft its first-ever Digital Health Strategy. This partnership signals a significant shift in the Ministry’s approach to healthcare, leveraging digital tools and innovative solutions to improve access, delivery, and quality.
As healthcare demands rise and the need for accessible, high-quality services becomes increasingly urgent, the MOHD sees digital health as a transformative solution. The Digital Health Strategy, which PSI will support in developing, aims to create a resilient, data-driven health system capable of addressing current challenges while also preparing for future crises such as pandemics or natural disasters. The strategy is centered on several key pillars including:
- Demand Generation for Digital Health Services: A major focus will be raising awareness of digital tools like telemedicine, health apps, and e-health platforms, ensuring that both communities and healthcare providers embrace the benefits of these innovations.
- Health Data Integration: The introduction of interoperable digital health records will allow for seamless patient data sharing across healthcare facilities, enhancing diagnosis, treatment, and continuity of care.
- Strengthening the Healthcare Workforce: Health workers will be trained to use digital platforms effectively, boosting the quality of service delivery and patient outcomes.
- Real-time Disease Surveillance: Systems will be put in place to track disease outbreaks in real-time, allowing the Ministry to respond swiftly to public health threats.
During the technical agreement partnership signing ceremony, which took place in June 2024, Hon. Hassan Mohamed Ali, Minister of Health Development said, “The Strategic Technical Partnership Agreement between the Somaliland Ministry of Health Development and PSI will provide a robust framework for all our strategic collaborations. This partnership is pivotal in advancing healthcare delivery, strengthening health systems, and contributing to the attainment of universal health coverage. Through this agreement, we will elevate healthcare service delivery initiatives, enhance our Health Information System for informed decision-making, advance key health management components, increase health awareness and improve our capacity to prevent and manage health emergencies.“
Building a Stronger Digital Health Ecosystem
PSI will work hand in hand with the MOHD to ensure that the digital ecosystem is aligned with national priorities. As part of the Health Information Systems (HIS) Technical Working Group, PSI is already a trusted digital health partner in Somaliland. This strategic collaboration positions PSI to contribute significantly to the development of digital health solutions, while also fostering stronger ties with the Ministry.
Through this partnership, PSI also expects to manage funding from several donor institutions and channel it into implementing the Digital Health Strategy and strengthening the overall health system.
As work begins on the Digital Health Strategy, both organizations will engage with local communities, health professionals, and the private sector to ensure widespread participation and support. This collaboration will lay the foundation for a robust digital health ecosystem that is equipped to meet the challenges of the future, improving health outcomes in Somaliland.
