As Nigeria navigates the complex landscape of healthcare data, the role of open-source data becomes increasingly vital. We sat down with Olakunle Ajayi, a distinguished health economist with experience in leading grant management of disease surveillance programs, to discuss his professional background and contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s health systems.

Thank you for having me. My journey as a health economist began with my undergraduate degree in statistics, which I obtained from the University of Ilorin. I have also pursued several graduate degrees, including an MBA, MHE, MDS, and MPP with the objective of using the acquired skillset to strengthen my contribution in the public health arena. My journey into health economics and disease surveillance was driven by a passion for using data to improve public health outcomes. Over the years, I’ve garnered immense experience in using data and evidence to drive healthcare intelligence and disease surveillance. Early in my career, I worked with organisations like the Society for Family Health and Family Health International, where I saw firsthand how data could transform healthcare delivery. This motivated me to specialise in health economics, focusing on using econometric modelling and data analysis to enhance disease surveillance and health systems.

You’ve worked with various prestigious organisations and now with the U.S. CDC. How has this professional exposure influenced your approach to healthcare data in Nigeria?

Working with these organisations provided me with a global perspective on the use of health data for disease surveillance and its implication on the health outcome of Nigeria. At eHealth Africa, I led the grant management effort for the Nigeria Country Office with oversight on key public healthcare projects such as GIS Mapping & Vaccinators   Tracking for Polio eradication, a project that supported the elimination effort of polio in Nigeria. In addition, I provided grant management oversight for the GRID Data Collection project which contributed immensely to the mapping of over 500,000 points of interests in Nigeria, this dataset is being used within and outside the public health domain for social good but particularly for disease surveillance. These projects underscored the importance of data-driven decision-making and the need for robust data systems. At the U.S. CDC, I provide grant management expertise for a wide range of health research grants in various disease areas with huge data and modelling effort for the advancement of the global health objectives of the United States. These roles have taught me the value of rigorous data validation, interoperability, and the application of global best practices to local contexts.

The concept of open-source healthcare data is gaining traction. How can Nigeria leverage open-source data to improve its healthcare system?

Open-source healthcare data presents a transformative opportunity for Nigeria. It can enhance transparency, foster collaboration, and drive innovation. To fully leverage open-source healthcare data, Nigeria must develop a national policy framework that outlines standards for data collection, storage, and sharing while ensuring data integrity and security. For instance, by adopting international standards for data interoperability, Nigeria can enable seamless data exchange across various health information systems. This would provide a holistic view of the healthcare landscape, crucial for effective disease surveillance and resource allocation. Additionally, investing in data quality and cybersecurity, as seen in countries like Rwanda and Israel, can ensure that the data used is accurate, complete, and secure.

What are the key challenges and opportunities you see in the current state of healthcare data in Nigeria?

Nigeria faces several challenges in healthcare data, including fragmentation, inconsistent data quality, and limited accessibility. However, there are significant opportunities as well. The adoption of open-source data can transform our healthcare system by promoting transparency, fostering collaboration, and accelerating innovation. Initiatives like the National Health Management Information System (NHMIS) and the Nigeria Health Data Repository (NHDR) are steps in the right direction, but we need a comprehensive policy framework to support these efforts. Investing in data infrastructure and capacity-building for healthcare workers is also crucial.

Can you give examples of how open-source data has been effectively used in other countries, and how similar approaches could be adapted in Nigeria?

Globally, countries like Finland and South Korea have made significant strides in using open-source data to enhance their healthcare systems. Finland’s interoperability frameworks enable seamless data exchange, which Nigeria can emulate by adopting standards like HL7 and FHIR. South Korea’s advanced health information infrastructure supports extensive data sharing and real-time health monitoring. By upgrading our digital health platforms and expanding internet connectivity, especially in rural areas, Nigeria can achieve similar successes. During the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, open-source data platforms were crucial in tracking the virus’s spread and coordinating response efforts, a model we can adopt for future public health emergencies.

Can you mention two projects that you have contributed to significantly which you are proud of the impact and reach? 

Two of the projects I’m particularly proud of are the Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS) and the Auto-Visual Acute Flaccid Paralysis Detection and Reporting (AVADAR) system. I provided grant management oversight for these projects in two different organisations, which significantly contributed to improving disease surveillance in Nigeria and beyond.

That sounds impressive. Can you elaborate on the SORMAS project and its impact?

Certainly. SORMAS is an open-source, mobile, and web-based system designed to enhance the real-time surveillance and management of disease outbreaks. It enables health workers at various levels to report cases, manage outbreaks, and share data seamlessly. During my tenure at the Gates Foundation, I provided grants management oversight for a key project aimed at implementing SORMAS in Kaduna and Kano States Nigeria. This was crucial in preventing, managing, and evaluating response capabilities across various disease pillars. The implementation of SORMAS in Nigeria was groundbreaking. It provided a unified platform that enhanced the accuracy and timeliness of data collection and reporting, which is essential for effective disease surveillance and response. This model was so successful that it was exported and replicated in other African countries, including Ghana among others. The system’s ability to integrate with existing health information systems has made it a vital tool in improving the continent’s public health infrastructure.

Your work clearly demonstrates a commitment to improving health systems. How do you see the future of health data and surveillance evolving in Nigeria?

The future of health data and surveillance in Nigeria is promising, especially with the increasing adoption of open-source data systems and digital health technologies. Continued investment in health information infrastructure, capacity-building, and policy frameworks will be crucial. By learning from global best practices and adapting them to our local context, Nigeria can significantly enhance its health data systems. Furthermore, integrating more advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning can provide deeper insights into disease patterns and improve predictive analytics; this is my niche area. This will enable more proactive and targeted interventions, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.

What are your future goals for your work in health economics and disease surveillance in Nigeria?

I will continue to advocate for the implementation of data-driven policies that strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system. I aim to collaborate with local and international partners to enhance data quality, security, and interoperability. Additionally, I want to focus on capacity-building initiatives to ensure healthcare workers are well-equipped to handle and utilise healthcare data effectively. Ultimately, my vision is to see Nigeria harness the full potential of open-source healthcare data to achieve universal health coverage and improved health outcomes for all its citizens.

 Mr. Ajayi, can you tell us about the Social Sector Fellowship you established and its impact so far?

Absolutely. The Social Sector Fellowship is a program I initiated with the aim of giving back to society by equipping young school leavers with essential technical skills and mentorship in five functional areas so as to boost their ability to thrive in the development space. Through this fellowship, participants receive training, mentoring and internship opportunities in their areas of functional interest such as Projects & Programs Management, Monitoring Evaluation Research and Learning (MERL) among others. The impact has been significant, with fellows securing positions in NGOs, government agencies, and international organisations, thereby contributing meaningfully to societal development. The fellowship not only empowers these young individuals but also fosters a new generation of leaders dedicated to driving positive change in their communities. You can check out the program website at www.socialsectorfellowship.com.

Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences with us. Your work is truly inspiring and crucial for the future of healthcare in Nigeria.

Thank you. It’s been a pleasure discussing these important issues. I am committed to continuing my efforts to improve healthcare data systems and contribute to better health outcomes in Nigeria.