Field Notes

Context

Kano State has some of the highest maternal mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa. MedForHer Foundation works with primary health centers in underserved communities where data collection is predominantly paper-based and quality audits are infrequent.

The Challenge

Most facilities lack reliable internet connectivity. Health workers have limited experience with digital tools. Existing data workflows are fragmented between community health workers, facility staff, and state-level coordinators.

Our Approach

We are co-designing the deployment with MedForHer to prioritize offline-capable data collection, simplified interfaces for frontline health workers, and maternal health-specific audit scorecards. The focus is on practical utility — can a facility manager actually use this to improve care quality?

What We're Learning

Context

Makerere University is one of Africa's leading public health research institutions. The partnership explores how One Health Sentinel can serve as a bridge between academic disease surveillance research and government health system operations.

The Challenge

Academic research tools and government surveillance systems operate in silos. Research generates valuable epidemiological insights that rarely translate into operational improvements at the facility level. Uganda's Ministry of Health has its own data systems that any tool must complement, not compete with.

Our Approach

Rather than replacing existing systems, we are exploring how One Health Sentinel can serve as an integration layer — connecting research data pipelines with operational quality monitoring. The goal is to demonstrate that surveillance data and quality audit data are complementary.

What We're Learning

Context

Caribbean SIDS face unique health system challenges: small populations, geographic isolation, vulnerability to climate-related health emergencies, and limited specialist workforce. Many islands share similar health system structures inherited from colonial-era models.

The Challenge

Health system tools designed for large continental countries rarely work for SIDS. Population sizes may be too small for standard epidemiological models. Climate vulnerability adds a dimension that most health surveillance platforms ignore entirely.

Our Approach

Adapting One Health Sentinel for SIDS contexts: incorporating climate-health linkages, designing for small-population statistical models, and exploring regional data sharing between island nations. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) health coordination framework provides a natural multi-country structure.

What We're Learning

Context

The Pacific Community serves 22 island nations and territories across the world's largest ocean. Health system challenges include extreme geographic isolation, limited connectivity, and the need for regional coordination across diverse political structures.

The Challenge

Similar challenges to the Caribbean but amplified by even greater distances and smaller populations. Some Pacific island nations have fewer than 20,000 people. Digital infrastructure varies enormously between countries.

Our Approach

Exploring how lessons from the Caribbean SIDS adaptation can be applied to Pacific contexts. SPC provides an existing coordination framework that could enable regional deployment.

What We're Learning