Research Article
Developing a Digital Information and Consultation Platform in Zimbabwe
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.1007/978-3-031-06374-9_6, author={Trymore Chawurura and Shepherd Chikomo and Ronald Manhibi and Janneke van Dijk and Gertjan van Stam}, title={Developing a Digital Information and Consultation Platform in Zimbabwe}, proceedings={e-Infrastructure and e-Services for Developing Countries. 13th EAI International Conference, AFRICOMM 2021, Zanzibar, Tanzania, December 1-3, 2021, Proceedings}, proceedings_a={AFRICOMM}, year={2022}, month={5}, keywords={COVID-19 Triage Contact centre}, doi={10.1007/978-3-031-06374-9_6} }- Trymore Chawurura
Shepherd Chikomo
Ronald Manhibi
Janneke van Dijk
Gertjan van Stam
Year: 2022
Developing a Digital Information and Consultation Platform in Zimbabwe
AFRICOMM
Springer
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-06374-9_6
Abstract
This paper presents a narrative on developing a COVID-19 digital information and consultation platform for a province situated in southern Zimbabwe. In response to a WHO prediction and call to prepare for the worst, a team of medical and computer experts worked on a sovereign digital platform facilitating COVID-19 triaging over the phone. Ethnographic assessments revealed that platform developments benefitted from national dialogue, engaged communities and stakeholders, and use of locally available technologies and skills. In this paper, the development of this digital platform is placed in the broader facets of local development, data sovereignty, and growth of local capacity and abilities under the auspices of the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care. The paper reflects on the facets involved in developing this digital platform for digital health interventions aligned with local capacity and needs.
