Somali Digital Health Conference 2024

Introduction

The use of information and communications technologies in support of health and health-related fields, including health-care services, health surveillance, health literature, and health education, knowledge and research  in Somalia has been increasing for the last decade. Clear evidence exists on the growing impact that e-Health has on the delivery of health care around the world today, and how it is making health systems more efficient and more responsive to people’s needs and expectations.

In Somalia, the use of digital health is at different levels of maturity and readiness to utilize eHealth as a key enabler in the delivery of health care services. Experiences across the world shows that harnessing ICT for health requires strategic and integrated action at the national level, to make the best use of existing capacity while providing a solid foundation for investment and innovation. Additionally, digital technologies are now integral to daily life, and the world’s population has never been more interconnected. Innovation, particularly in the digital sphere, is happening at unprecedented scale. Even so, its application to improve the health of populations in Somalia remains largely untapped, and there is immense scope for use of digital health solutions. 

Therefore, the Ministry of Health and Human Services is  harnessing the power of digital technologies and health innovation to accelerate better attainment of health and the well-being in Somalia. With this objective, the Ministry has established the Annual Digital Health Conference which aims to bring all the public and private stakeholders in the digital health sector. 

The conference will bring together experts, professionals, and stakeholders from across the industry to discuss, showcase, and explore the latest developments, innovations, challenges, and opportunities within the digital health landscape in Somalia and across the globe.  To promote public-private-partnership in the digital health sector, the Ministry of is partnering with E-Health Somalia to jointly conduct this annual conference. 

Objectives

The primary objective of the Annual National Digital Health Conference is to establish a robust platform that encourages networking, knowledge exchange, Innovation and idea presentation and thought leadership in the following areas:

• Promote  the use of  digital health technologies and devices in the healthcare sector in Somalia.
• Present the use of Telemedicine and remote patient monitoring service in Somalia.
• Understand opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning in healthcare. 
• Electronic health records (EHR) and healthcare data management
• Cybersecurity and privacy in digital health 
• Blockchain and its applications in healthcare
• Mobile health (mHealth) and wearable technologies
• Health apps and patient engagement
• Integrating digital health solutions into existing healthcare systems
• Policy, regulations, and ethical considerations in digital health

Conference Structure

The Digital Health Conference will span over two days and will feature a well-curated agenda comprising keynote speeches, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and poster presentations. Additionally, the conference will provide ample networking opportunities for all participants, including dedicated exhibition space for organizations to showcase their products, services, and research.

Target Audience

We anticipate attracting a diverse range of participants, including:

1. Government (Regulatory bodies and policymakers)
2. Public and Private Health Facilities 
3. Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, etc.)
4. Health technology companies and startups
5. Digital health entrepreneurs and innovators
6. Researchers and academicians
7. Investors and venture capitalists

Location and Logistics

The conference will take place at Jazeera Palace, Wadajir, Mogadihsu, Somalia, the Logistic Services including registration, Airport Pickup, catering services, audiovisual equipment, and event management will be facilitated.