Leveraging E-Learning Tools to strengthen health professionals

Thursday 14 December, 5 – 6 pm CET (4 – 5 pm UTC)

In Africa, according to the World Health Organization, there are on average 1.55 health professionals per 1000 people, while the organization recommends 4.45 per 1000 people to achieve universal health coverage. (Chronic staff shortfalls stifle Africa’s health systems: WHO study or Le statut du personnel de santé dans la Région africaine de l’OMS : conclusions d’une étude transversale). Among the reasons for this shortage, one can cite the insufficient training capacity, as well as other factors such as rapid population growth, international migration, weak governance of human resources for health, career shifting and difficulties in retaining healthcare workers. The health personnel are the backbone of health systems, and the need for trained professionals with up-to-date knowledge to address challenges in the access to healthcare for all and to respond to current and future epidemics cannot be emphasized enough. 

In this context, e-learning tools, defined as the use of information and communication technology, digital tools, or media to deliver education, are increasingly being used to address the earlier-mentioned challenges. Indeed, they offer a promising solution to tackle those issues by providing flexible and accessible ways for health professionals to enhance their knowledge, skills and practice.

This webinar titled “Leveraging E-Learning Tools to strengthen health professionals” aims to explore the transformative potential of e-learning tools in strengthening the capabilities of healthcare professionals across the African continent through ongoing deployed solutions and projects.

By bringing together healthcare experts, educators, e-learning specialists and implementers we will engage in a meaningful dialogue on the potential of e-learning tools to uplift the standards of care and competence in Africa. By fostering an environment of knowledge-sharing and collaboration, the event aims to catalyze positive change and contribute to ongoing discussions.

Presentation

Speakers

Steven Van Den Broucke is an internist & specialist in infectious diseases at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp. As he is involved in several research projects on Tropical Diseases, he takes part in the WikiTropica project, the Wikipedia on tropical diseases. The project is a partnership between the ITM in Antwerp and other academic institutions from Indonesia (Universitas Gadjah Mada, Universitas Sebelas Maret), Cambodia (Institute of Technology Cambodia, University of Health Sciences National Institute of Public Health), Spain (Sant Joan de Déu, Vall d’Hebron,ISGLOBAL), and the Netherlands (Maastricht University). The platform primarily serves as an open access resource and training tool for tropical diseases, aiming to equip healthcare professionals in the fight against these diseases.
 
Dr Tamba Mina Millimouno: Researcher and Blended Learning Facilitator at Maferinyah National Training and Research Center in Rural Health, which developed three Blended courses (online and face-to-face) – on primary health care (eSSP), on management of sexual & reproductive health services (eSSR), and on research methods (eMR) – in Guinea,  targeting health professionals, students in their final year of medical studies and researchers. The programme was supported by Enabel and the Directorate-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (DGD). For sustainability, the three courses are currently hosted and run by the Africa Centre of Excellence for the Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases (CEA-PCMT) at the Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry in Guinea.
 
Elie Khalil: Data System Configuration Lead at Bluesquare where he is responsible for developing the analytical capabilities of health data systems and driving  the deployment and use of quality data systems based on existing and open-source technologies. As part of this role, he is supporting the development of e-learning platforms for healthcare professionals, including the deployment of clinical vignettes in Côte d’Ivoire, a project funded by the World Bank. He will explore the various tools and methods currently used to to set up effective e-learning platforms that meet users’ needs.
 
Moderator
 
Stefaan ML.J. Van Bastelaere is a Senior Health Expert at Enabel. He has over 25 years’ experience in international development and public health. Skilled in Health System Strengthening, policy analysis & strategic development, program monitoring & evaluation, quality control and development, performance based financing (PBF), eHealth, biomedical maintenance and HRH development.
 
Contact: mntchagang@bluesquarehub.com