Community health workers (CHWs) in Nyabihu District are benefiting from smartphones provided by Health Builders, a local non-governmental organisation (NGO), to streamline their tasks and improve patient care.
The distribution of smartphones is an on-going programme initiated by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with Health Builders, to support the Community Electronic Medical Record system (c-EMR) and enhance health service delivery in the region.
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Health Builders is spearheading the distribution of smartphones as part of its efforts to strengthen healthcare systems and infrastructure in Nyabihu, Rulindo, and Rwamagana districts, benefiting over one million people. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Health Builders distributed 938 smartphones in Nyabihu District and conducted a four-week training programme to ensure that community health workers can effectively utilise the technology.
According to the Minister of Health (MINISANTE), Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, the adoption of technology into health services has a significant role "because it makes it [service] easier and faster.”
The c-EMR system, developed by Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), enables CHWs to electronically record, store, and access patient health information.
Emery Hezagira, the Director of the Community Health Programme at RBC, emphasises that "digitalising health records will enhance efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility of healthcare services.” Launched in January, the c-EMR project is a national initiative being implemented in six districts to reduce paperwork and administrative tasks and enhance patient care.
Health Builders’ support for training and equipment procurement, according to him, ensures the sustainability of the programme and the effective utilisation of technology by CHWs.
Michel Musilikare, the Executive Director of Health Builders, highlighted the challenges faced by the community in Nyabihu District that hinder access to quality healthcare services, especially in remote areas.
"Lack of equipment has long been a challenge in Nyabihu and is still a problem; mostly medical equipment as well as technology equipment like computers and smartphones for data management,” said Musilikare.
"We have provided these smartphones to community health workers to improve access to quality healthcare across the communities they serve. They’ll use these devices to record patient data.”
Musilikare believes this new technology will empower community health workers to better track patients’ information, helping them monitor individuals with non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and other health conditions.
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Smartphones are also essential, according to him, in monitoring pregnant mothers, , assessing sick children under five years, and monitoring their growth, screening for malnutrition etc.
CHWs
Beneficiaries like Console Nyirarukundo and Denis Maniriho from Jaba Village, Rurira Cell, Mukamira Sector, expressed gratitude for the smartphones, which have simplified their work and improved data management processes. The transition from paper-based records to digital solutions has made a significant impact on their daily tasks, enhancing their ability to provide quality care to patients.
"We have been challenged by a lack of good equipment during the rainy season. We could not walk carrying books while it was raining. Nyabihu is a hilly region, and you cannot access many remote areas using cars, but with a smartphone, work is simple and fast, thanks to Health Builders,” said Maniriho.
"Before this donation, we used to record and report using paper and books, where sometimes data could get lost very easily. It was tiresome,” added Nyirarukundo. "But we were trained to use technology. It’s a game changer.”
"I would not be able to buy this smartphone; the system [c-EMR] is simple to use,” said Jackeline Nyiransabiyaremye.