Ethiopia Bolsters Digital Health Engagement, Stakeholders Evaluate Logistics System
In a bid to revolutionise Ethiopia's supply chain, the Ministry of Health's Senior Advisor, Teshome Deres, highlighted the potential of Dagu, the nation's electronic Logistics Management Information System (eLMIS). However, he underscored the need for leadership, accountability, and integration to fully realise this potential.
Recently, a national dissemination workshop was held in Addis Ababa on May 27, 2025, bringing together government officials, health experts, and development partners. The event, funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), aimed to discuss ways to strengthen Dagu's infrastructure, digital connectivity, and institutionalise performance monitoring.
The workshop's recommendations focused on enhancing interoperability with other national health systems, introducing legal frameworks to support mandatory system use, and expanding Dagu's coverage to all health programs, including those currently underrepresented such as EPI and nutrition.
The three-day event was supported by the Ministry of Health, Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Service (EPSS), and the Dagu Task Force, with the support of the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), ECHO, Results for Development (R4D), and WHO. Dr Patrick Okumu Abok, Team Lead, Health Emergencies Programme at WHO Ethiopia, opened the event, emphasising Dagu's positive contribution to medicine access across the health system.
However, the assessment findings also highlighted several challenges, including infrastructure limitations, intermittent internet access, limited management engagement, and human resource constraints. Facilities with trained pharmacy heads and reliable internet access were significantly more likely to operate functional Dagu systems, demonstrating an average availability rate of 88.3% for tracer medicines at these facilities.
To address these challenges and improve the functionality and usage of Dagu, several solutions were proposed:
1. Infrastructure Upgrades: Investment in infrastructure, including upgrading servers, improving network connectivity, and ensuring reliable power supplies, was recommended. Collaboration with international partners was also suggested to secure funding and technical assistance for infrastructure development.
2. Strengthening Internet Connectivity: Projects to expand internet access to all health facilities, potentially through mobile networks or satellite connectivity, were proposed. Collaboration with telecommunications providers was also suggested to ensure reliable and cost-effective internet services for health facilities.
3. Capacity Building: Training programs for health staff to enhance their IT skills and understanding of the Dagu system, as well as the recruitment of IT professionals to manage and maintain the system effectively, were recommended.
4. Data-Driven Decision Making: Implementing advanced data analysis tools and conducting regular assessments of the system to identify areas for improvement and measure its impact on health service delivery were suggested.
5. Partnership and Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships with organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO), ECHO, and other development partners to secure ongoing support and expertise, and engaging local communities in the development and improvement of the system were proposed.
By implementing these solutions, Ethiopia can enhance the functionality and usage of its eLMIS, ultimately improving the efficiency and reliability of its health and nutrition supply chain. According to the assessment findings, 63.7% of health facilities currently operate functional Dagu systems.
- Technology plays a significant role in revolutionizing Ethiopia's supply chain, with Dagu, the nation's eLMIS, at the forefront.
- The potential of Dagu is immense, but it requires leadership, accountability, and integration to fully realize it.
- A national dissemination workshop was held in Addis Ababa on May 27, 2025, focusing on Dagu's infrastructure, digital connectivity, and performance monitoring.
- The event was funded by ECHO and attended by government officials, health experts, and development partners.
- The workshop's recommendations highlighted the need for interoperability with other national health systems.
- Legal frameworks are needed to support mandatory system use and expand Dagu's coverage to all health programs, including EPI and nutrition.
- Dr Patrick Okumu Abok, from WHO Ethiopia, opened the event, stressing Dagu's positive impact on medicine access.
- The assessment findings revealed infrastructure limitations, intermittent internet access, limited management engagement, and human resource constraints.
- Facilities with trained pharmacy heads and reliable internet access operated functional Dagu systems more effectively.
- Infrastructure Upgrades are recommended, including server upgrades, network connectivity improvements, and power supply reliability.
- International partnerships are suggested for funding and technical assistance in infrastructure development.
- Expanding internet access to all health facilities through mobile networks or satellite connectivity is proposed.
- Collaboration with telecommunications providers is necessary to ensure cost-effective and reliable internet services for health facilities.
- Capacity Building is essential, with training programs for health staff and the recruitment of IT professionals.
- Data-Driven Decision Making is recommended, utilizing advanced data analysis tools and regular system assessments.
- Partnerships with organizations like WHO, ECHO, and other development partners are proposed to secure ongoing support and expertise.
- Local communities should be engaged in the development and improvement of the system.
- By implementing these solutions, Ethiopia can improve the functionality and usage of its eLMIS, leading to more efficient and reliable health and nutrition supply chains.
- Currently, 63.7% of health facilities operate functional Dagu systems.
- The efficiency of the health and nutrition supply chain can lead to better management of chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease and type-2 diabetes.
- Improved eye health can result from a well-managed supply chain, benefiting those with conditions like migraines and psoriasis.
- Health and wellness can be enhanced by focusing on fitness and exercise, which can be promoted through the eLMIS.
- Climate change mitigation efforts can be bolstered by investing in renewable energy, a strategic move for the manufacturing industry.
- Therapies and treatments for various medical conditions can be developed and supported by the investment in science and environmental science.
- Nutrition plays a vital role in managing chronic diseases, and the eLMIS can help ensure proper nutritional supplies are available.
- The eLMIS can facilitate access to medical supplies related to neurological disorders, skin conditions, and space and astronomy research.
- The retail sector can benefit from technology integration, including smartphones and gadgets, for business and inventory management.
- Entrepreneurship, interior design, and transportation can all thrive with the help of technological advancements.
- Leadership, diversity, and inclusion are crucial in all sectors, including finance, energy, and wealth management, to drive sustainable growth and development.
