In an exclusive insight shared by Dr. Baltazar Candrinho, Director of Mozambique’s National Malaria Control Program, Mozambique is taking significant strides in the realm of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), particularly within the health sector. As Dr. Candrinho outlines, Mozambique is actively digitizing health information systems to streamline both routine operations and the execution of large-scale health campaigns.
Advancements in Health Digitalization
One of the primary areas where Mozambique has made considerable progress is in the digitization of health information. According to Dr. Candrinho, these efforts are not limited to regular healthcare data but extend to specific health campaigns, notably in the fight against malaria. In 2023, the country successfully digitized its mosquito net distribution campaign using the DHIS2 platform. However, to meet the growing demand for more accurate geolocation data and comprehensive digital solutions, Mozambique transitioned to the SALAMA platform.
“The results were very good,” Dr. Candrinho explained, referring to the pilot testing of the SALAMA platform in two provinces. Building on this success, the platform is now being deployed for additional malaria prevention efforts, including Mozambique’s seasonal malaria prevention campaign and indoor residual spraying operations.
Toward a Unified Digital Platform for Malaria Campaigns
Mozambique’s vision for its malaria control initiatives is ambitious. Dr. Candrinho emphasized that the goal is to bring all malaria-related campaigns onto a single platform and to consolidate data into one repository. This would enable the reuse of data across multiple campaigns, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
“Our goal is to have an understanding and a data repository where all the data is there and this data is reused for other campaigns,” said Dr. Candrinho. This move is part of the broader national effort to implement a digital health strategy, which will encompass various health programs.
Mozambique’s National Digital Health Strategy
Mozambique’s efforts are not confined to individual disease campaigns but are part of a larger, cross-sectoral push towards digitalization. The Ministry of Health is working in tandem with other ministries, including Communication, Technology, Education, and Agriculture, to establish a comprehensive digital strategy for the entire health sector. The strategy aims to integrate digital platforms across various programs, ensuring interoperability and efficiency in Mozambique’s healthcare system.
However, Dr. Candrinho acknowledges that Mozambique faces several challenges in implementing its digital strategy. The country’s vast size, combined with areas that are difficult to access, presents significant obstacles. “When we talk about DPI, we often talk only about city areas, urban areas, but we also have to think beyond urban areas, where the population is really there,” he noted.
Mozambique’s rural and remote areas, often impacted by extreme weather events such as floods and cyclones, make it challenging to extend digital health services to the entire population. Dr. Candrinho also pointed to the need for improved digital literacy to ensure that the population can effectively use digital platforms for health and other sectors like agriculture.
Overcoming Barriers: Financial and Educational Constraints
In addition to geographical challenges, Mozambique is also grappling with the financial burden of establishing and maintaining digital infrastructure. Dr. Candrinho highlighted that while several digital initiatives are already underway in various ministries, securing sustainable funding is critical for long-term success.
“Sometimes financial resources to create and establish this infrastructure have been one of the constraints,” Dr. Candrinho explained. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of enhancing digital literacy across the population, so that more Mozambicans can benefit from digital advancements in health, agriculture, and other essential sectors.
The Path Forward
Mozambique is steadily moving toward a future where digital infrastructure plays a central role in public health and beyond. By integrating various health campaigns onto a unified digital platform and promoting collaboration across ministries, the country is setting a strong foundation for a national digital health strategy. However, for these efforts to reach their full potential, Mozambique must address challenges such as geographical barriers, financial constraints, and the need for widespread digital literacy.
As Mozambique continues to take “big steps” in digitalizing its health systems, its approach serves as a model for other countries facing similar challenges in implementing DPI initiatives.
Dr. Baltazar Neves Candrinho is the Director of Mozambique’s National Malaria Control Program and holds key leadership roles in regional malaria elimination initiatives, including MOSASWA and the Elimination 8 Initiative. With an MD from Eduardo Mondlane University and doctoral studies in International Medicine at the University of Barcelona, he has over seven years of experience managing malaria control in Mozambique. Dr. Candrinho has coordinated vector control, social behavior change, case management, and monitoring efforts. He has led the development of the country’s Malaria Strategic Plan and several high-profile funding proposals. As a principal investigator, he has conducted numerous studies on malaria prevention, surveillance, and intervention strategies.