The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) has been advancing digital health solutions in partnership with the Ministry of Health’s ICT Department. Together, they developed the first-ever Digital Health Data Governance Framework for the Ministry of Health, which was launched last year.

They have also co-developed a health informatics competency framework and supported the establishment of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in health informatics at the University of Zambia (UNZA). These initiatives contribute directly to the attainment of the country’s Digital Health Strategy goals, which include workforce development, data governance, and the effective use of technology to strengthen healthcare delivery.

Alongside these initiatives, CIDRZ continues to design and implement digital health innovations that improve patient care, enhance facility efficiency, support accurate reporting, and automate data collection and analysis.

To strengthen collaboration, CIDRZ recently met with the Ministry of Health ICT leadership to showcase its ongoing digital health and informatics work, including new innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ICT. The discussions focused on opportunities to align efforts, share lessons, and exchange ideas on how best to advance health informatics in the country.

This engagement underscores the commitment of both CIDRZ and the Ministry of Health to shaping a coordinated, sustainable, and impactful digital health landscape for Zambia.