In its unwavering commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and improved health systems, the Gender and Women’s Health Initiative for Human Rights (GWIHR) recently embarked on a high-level advocacy visit to the Rivers State Ministry of Health. The focus of this engagement was to promote the institutionalization and effective implementation of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) across public and private healthcare facilities in the state.
During the visit, GWIHR emphasized the critical role that EMRs play in transforming healthcare delivery—particularly in underserved and marginalized communities. By digitizing patient records, EMRs ensure real-time access to clinical information, streamline service delivery, improve treatment outcomes, and facilitate data-driven decision-making in health planning and policy formulation.
A key highlight of the engagement was the introduction of the Gender Equality Fund (GEF) Project, a GWIHR-led initiative aimed at expanding access to healthcare for Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW), including female sex workers. Through gender-responsive digital health solutions, the GEF Project seeks to bridge existing gaps in access, promote inclusive healthcare practices, and enhance service responsiveness to the unique needs of vulnerable populations.
This strategic dialogue underscored a shared vision between GWIHR and the Rivers State Ministry of Health—to build a resilient, people-centered, and digitally empowered health system. The initiative aligns with broader health sector reforms focused on improving accountability, efficiency, and quality of care.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry expressed strong support for GWIHR’s digital health agenda, commending the potential of EMRs and the GEF Project to drive meaningful improvements in healthcare delivery and data management. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to partnership, offering full endorsement of the advocacy and signaling a readiness to collaborate on the next phase of implementation.
Through this engagement, GWIHR continues to champion the integration of technology into healthcare systems as a pathway to sustainable health outcomes—ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital transformation of health services in Rivers State.
During the visit, GWIHR emphasized the critical role that EMRs play in transforming healthcare delivery—particularly in underserved and marginalized communities. By digitizing patient records, EMRs ensure real-time access to clinical information, streamline service delivery, improve treatment outcomes, and facilitate data-driven decision-making in health planning and policy formulation.
A key highlight of the engagement was the introduction of the Gender Equality Fund (GEF) Project, a GWIHR-led initiative aimed at expanding access to healthcare for Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW), including female sex workers. Through gender-responsive digital health solutions, the GEF Project seeks to bridge existing gaps in access, promote inclusive healthcare practices, and enhance service responsiveness to the unique needs of vulnerable populations.
This strategic dialogue underscored a shared vision between GWIHR and the Rivers State Ministry of Health—to build a resilient, people-centered, and digitally empowered health system. The initiative aligns with broader health sector reforms focused on improving accountability, efficiency, and quality of care.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry expressed strong support for GWIHR’s digital health agenda, commending the potential of EMRs and the GEF Project to drive meaningful improvements in healthcare delivery and data management. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to partnership, offering full endorsement of the advocacy and signaling a readiness to collaborate on the next phase of implementation.
Through this engagement, GWIHR continues to champion the integration of technology into healthcare systems as a pathway to sustainable health outcomes—ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital transformation of health services in Rivers State.
See pictures
Driving Digital Transformation in the Health Sector 4
Driving Digital Transformation in the Health Sector 3
Driving Digital Transformation in the Health Sector 2
Driving Digital Transformation in the Health Sector 1