The Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) project, with World Bank support, has launched a transformative digitalization initiative in Plateau State, aiming to modernize healthcare data reporting and improve the reach of immunization and malaria services. On November 8, 2024, a workshop at Jos’s Villa Grand Hotel Gold and Base Rayfield provided healthcare workers from Plateau’s 207 wards with laptops and digital training, enabling them to transition from paper records to digital systems.
IMPACT’s Plateau Project Manager, Nurse Kizito Ndak, emphasized that digital data entry would enhance the speed and accessibility of health records, supporting a streamlined flow of information across local, national, and global systems via the District Health Information System (DHIS2). “This training simplifies data reporting and reduces the time needed to compile records,” Ndak said, noting the benefits for tracking health trends and responding more effectively to community needs.
The IMPACT project, focused on malaria control, immunization, healthcare knowledge, and emergency response, aligns with Nigeria’s Vision 2030 goal of reducing under-five mortality from 182 to 79 per 1,000 births in key program areas. The digital training marks an important step toward this goal, aiming to reduce maternal and child mortality by strengthening local healthcare services.
With support from Plateau State Governor Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, the initiative aims to bring primary healthcare closer to underserved communities, reducing the need for residents to travel long distances. Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Benjamin Daniel Shankom highlighted that real-time data reporting will drive better decision-making and resource allocation, crucial for improving maternal and infant health outcomes across Nigeria.
By empowering healthcare workers with digital tools, the IMPACT project supports the broader National Strategic Health Development Plan, striving for accessible, high-quality healthcare services for all Nigerians.
