World Health Day is observed each year on 7 April. This day reminds us of our global commitment to promoting health and well-being for everyone. This year’s theme is “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Future,” which emphasises the importance of maternal and newborn health. It calls on governments and the healthcare community to prioritise women’s health and work towards ending preventable deaths.
The global healthcare landscape has evolved significantly, with digital health technologies playing a crucial role in transforming healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved and remote areas. SPIDER is committed to promoting the use of digital tools to improve healthcare access, quality, and equity, for instance, through The Health Alliance for Digital Development and Action (HADDA). HADDA is a collaborative project by the Somali Ministry of Health, local research and implementing partners, and SPIDER. The purpose of the project is to advance the health information system by implementing a medical health record called RAAD.
HADDA brings together key stakeholders in the health care sector that meet regularly to increase the collaboration and overview of ongoing health care initiatives in the country. A common challenge in the country is fragmentation and duplication of efforts, and this stakeholder platform works to reduce this problem. World Health Day highlights the necessity for ongoing innovation and collaboration in the healthcare sector. SPIDER is honoured to participate in this global initiative to advance digital health in Somalia.
