Over the years, Nigeria’s health sector has been plagued with lack of accurate data. This lack of a centralised data system has made accessing healthcare data difficult for stakeholders.
Despite previous, the challenge remained until in 2020 when Mirabilia – a tech company in an unprecedented achievement within the realm of health informatics, came up with the interoperability linkage between the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Surveillance System and the Federal Ministry of Health’s (FMOH) National Health Management Information System (NHMIS).
The ground breaking feat was achieved with support of some non-governmental organisation who partnered with Mirabilia to deliver the ground breaking project.
Interoperability is the ability of computer systems or software to exchange and make use of information. It allows for the efficient exchange of critical health data, bridging the gap between surveillance and broader health information systems.
The integration now facilitates the real-time sharing of life-saving information between the NCDC and FMOH without unnecessary complications.
Sunday Aduloju, Founder, Mirabilia Nigeria Limited, said the intervention stands out as a technological and operational milestone.
Aduloju’s work goes beyond interoperability. He supported the NCDC on the development of the mobile digital Surveillance, Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS).
In November 2017, SORMAS was deployed in 30 states in Nigeria in response to an outbreak of monkeypox.
Adaptation and activation of the system took 14 weeks, and its use improved timeliness, completeness, and overall capacity of the response.
“The two systems, which serve distinct purposes and operate on vastly different platforms, have historically been incompatible. The NCDC system is a person-centered, real-time surveillance platform, while the NHMIS is designed for aggregate, periodic data reporting,” Aduloju said.
Speaking further, Aduloju said: “Through meticulous planning, innovative technical solutions, and support from key stakeholders within both agencies, Mirabilia overcame these challenges to enable seamless communication between the systems. This linkage allows for the efficient exchange of critical health data, bridging the gap between surveillance and broader health information systems.
“The integration now facilitates the real-time sharing of life-saving information between the NCDC and FMOH without unnecessary complications. This achievement not only enhances the efficiency of disease monitoring and response but also sets a benchmark for future interoperability projects in the health sector.
“With continued support from stakeholders and the dedication of its technical team, Mirabilia reaffirms its commitment to transforming health information systems and saving lives across Nigeria.
“Mirabilia’s history is interwoven with groundbreaking achievements, including systems that streamline interoperability for health agencies, support master data governance, and empower public health bodies.
“Our work on initiatives such as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Interoperability System, Mobile Device Management (MDM), and collaborations with prestigious organisations like CARPHA (Caribbean Public Health Agency), RTI, WHO, MGIC, AFENET, GIZ and USCDC underscores our global relevance.
“Domestically, our partnerships with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) highlight our role in advancing health informatics in Nigeria.”
Director – General, NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu described the contributions of Aduloju through technology to the Nigerian health sector as awesome.
Ihekweazu said: “contributions to the sector are amazing. We have deployed the SORMAS system in our operations and it is helping our work. We are proud to be working with the likes of him who has ensured that our work reaches as many Nigerians as possible.”
