Making an impact today for a better tomorrow

creating effective and empowering solutions

Who We Are

IHM Southern Africa is an informatics-driven social enterprise leveraging the power of data and technology to drive positive change. We use innovative solutions to address societal challenges, empowering communities and organizations to make informed decisions, enhance efficiency, and promote equitable and sustainable development.

Building a sustainable health information ecosystem through SCHISS

The Strengthening Capacity for Health Information Systems Sustainably (SCHISS) project has made substantial strides in optimizing digital health in Zambia through the SmartCare electronic health record system. We’re on a mission to improve healthcare by accelerating access, enhancing preventive care, securing data, optimizing resources, promoting equity, and advancing research. Our approach not only fosters an efficient and equitable healthcare system for all but also empowers patients to take control of their health.

providing crucial insights to develop targeted HIV prevention strategies for adolescent girls and young women

By addressing the specific contexts and behaviors associated with new infections, interventions can effectively reach and empower adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). IHM Southern Africa’s collaboration in this research contributed to evidence-based approaches aimed at reducing HIV incidence and improving the overall well-being of AGYW in Eswatini.

ensuring continuity of care and enhancing service delivery through CMIS

The implementation of the Client Management Information System (CMIS) in Swaziland streamlined data collection, freeing up resources for data analysis and decision-making. Healthcare providers gained efficient access to patient history, ensuring continuity of care and reducing patient wait times

News and Stories

Beyond the Learning Curve: Champions Driving Zambia’s SmartCare Electronic Health Record

March 5, 2024

At about 7 a.m., pharmacist and SmartCare electronic health record (EHR) trainer Lawrence Mpumila stands at the door to the boardroom at Kalulushi General Hospital,

Securing Zambia’s Health Data

January 30, 2024

IHM engaged external experts through the CDC’s Technical Assistance Platform, fostering partnerships to bridge gaps in cybersecurity for digital health in Zambia. These activities underline the importance of safeguarding health data in an era of digital advancements and highlights ongoing initiatives to fortify security measures in the health sector.

Zambia, A Model for Evidence-Based Implementation of the World Health Organization’s Digital Adaptation Kits

January 30, 2024

Following the wave of global health innovation, Zambia is emerging as a trailblazer, harnessing the transformative power of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Digital Adaptation Kits (DAKs) to transform its healthcare landscape.

Our Services

Health Information Systems Strengthening

IHM primarily works in this area and it has extended its experience base in strengthening the information gathering and dissemination agenda across all five building blocks of Health Systems.

Information Systems Development

IHM integrates Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) and Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems to decentralize data management and encourage better utilization of health information at lower levels within public health settings.

Health Information Technology Innovations

IHM’s IT team works with public health entities to develop a culture of leveraging existing technology and building IT competence in managing health informatics projects.

Research and Program Evaluations

IHM assists clients in meeting research and evaluation goals using the most efficient, unbiased, and innovative survey methods and programme evaluation approaches.

Monitoring and Reporting Capacity Building

From training organizations in monitoring and reporting requirements to helping government departments and CSOs comply with monitoring and reporting requirements, IHM provides tailor-made approaches to various scenarios.

Data Quality Assurance and Data Quality Improvement

IHM has developed a unique approach to addressing data quality in public health settings based existing tools and methods for addressing data quality that we can adapt in other settings.

Our Impact

In Zambia, IHM Southern Africa has partnered with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to implement the Strengthening Capacity for Health Information Systems Sustainably (SCHISS) project. This collaborative effort aims to refine the national health information system, SmartCare, in alignment with HIV/TB priorities. By leveraging the SmartCare Plus system, which captures comprehensive patient-level records, IHM has facilitated evidence-based decision-making and positively impacted the lives of Zambians, addressing the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.

ZAMBIA

In Lesotho, IHM Southern Africa has played a pivotal role in the introduction of an electronic health records (EHR) system, supported by UNAIDS and WHO. Through meticulous surveys to determine preferences for unique patient identifiers (UPIDs), IHM has contributed to enhanced patient identification and streamlined healthcare processes. The collaboration between IHM Southern Africa, UNAIDS, and WHO has significantly strengthened healthcare services in Lesotho, advancing patient identification systems and supporting the overall well-being of the population, particularly in light of the country's highest prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS.

Lesotho

In Eswatini, IHM Southern Africa has been actively engaged in initiatives targeting the fight against HIV/AIDS and the empowerment of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). Through the DREAMS Initiative and the Sitakhela Likusasa Impact Evaluation, IHM has played a crucial role in implementing evidence-based strategies and interventions to combat new infections among AGYW. By addressing specific contextual factors and behaviors associated with HIV transmission, IHM Southern Africa's collaboration has significantly contributed to reducing HIV incidence and improving the overall well-being of AGYW in Eswatini.

Eswatini

Partners