Health Minister Demby Joins Africa’s Push for Data-Driven Healthcare

Sierra Leone is playing a key role in shaping Africa’s future health data and digital health systems as a founding member of the Health Intelligence Centres for Africa (HICA), a continental initiative aimed at strengthening the use of reliable health data and digital technology in healthcare.

Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby, PhD, MPH, is representing Sierra Leone at HICA’s inaugural Board Meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where member countries are discussing how health intelligence can improve policymaking, healthcare delivery and responses to public health emergencies. He is joined by Dr. Joseph David Koroma, head of Sierra Leone’s Health Information Hub in Freetown.

Sierra Leone’s Health Information Hub has helped move the country from paper-based health records toward digital systems and real-time dashboards. These tools provide timely information on maternal and child health, disease trends and emergencies, helping authorities monitor health indicators and support interventions at district level.

Through its HICA membership, Sierra Leone is also contributing to discussions on data sovereignty, ethical governance and country ownership of health information, particularly as African health systems become increasingly digital.

Following the HICA meeting, Minister Demby is expected to represent Sierra Leone at the 76th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa (RC76). The meeting will bring together African health leaders to discuss policies, priorities and investments shaping the continent’s health sector.

Sierra Leone’s participation in both engagements provides an opportunity to highlight its national health priorities, strengthen partnerships and advocate for resilient, equitable and technology-driven health systems, while contributing to broader continental discussions on digital transformation and the effective use of health data.

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