The Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) hosted a productive two-day meeting (22-23 July 2024) to focus on capacity building and discuss the progress of the Data Science Without Borders (DSWB) project, which is funded by Wellcome Trust through African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC). Held at AHRI, Addis Ababa, the event brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from the APHRC, AHRI, Regional Health Bureaus, Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) sites, Fenot Associates, and the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute.
The meeting opened with a welcoming speech by Prof. Afework Kassu, Director General of AHRI. He underscored the critical role of data as the foundation for informed decision-making and its growing significance in societal advancements. Prof. Afework emphasized the need for quality data synthesis and the potential for data-driven initiatives to unite and benefit all African nations.
Dr. Agnes Kiragga, Head of the Data Science Program at APHRC, followed with an insightful introduction to the DSWB project. She highlighted APHRC’s extensive reach across over 40 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and its mission to enhance data science tools for big-data analytics. The DSWB project aims to strengthen capacity in Pathfinder countries, namely, Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Senegal through advanced data analytics and machine learning.
Dr. Alemseged Abdisa, Deputy Director General of AHRI, presented an update on AHRI’s progress as a pathfinder institute for the DSWB project in Ethiopia. He highlighted AHRI’s efforts in identifying local partners, conducting data mapping workshops, and advancing the digitalization of its data systems. Dr. Alemseged underscored the importance of south-south collaboration in fostering data-driven decision-making.
During the meeting, AHRI researchers provided an overview of the data mapping process, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive data sharing policy. The data mapping tool employed by AHRI evaluates various aspects, including data types, quality, and accessibility. As a result of this process, 15 datasets were prioritized based on criteria like availability, quality, and alignment with government priorities.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for mentorship, continuous capacity building, and collaboration among pathfinders and APHRC. Relevant tools and documents will be shared to support these initiatives. AHRI looks forward to continued progress in the DSWB project, fostering data-driven solutions for health and development in Ethiopia and beyond.
Finally, the DSWB community visited ALERT Hospital to explore its newly introduced Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system. The initiative aims to transform ALERT Hospital into one of the six paperless hospitals in the country.
