Intrahealth International | Knowledge Management Manager, USAID Regional Health Integration to Enhance Services in Eastern Uganda (USAID RHITES-E)
The Share Fair exemplified the EAC's readiness to use knowledge management to ensure better integration and improved health outcomes for all of its citizens. Photo: Nemuson Studios
If you have been engaged in global health work, you should know by now that knowledge management (KM) approaches have taken a central place in program implementation to improve health outcomes. While the practices are not new (in fact, they date back to old times, such as the Industrial Age, when knowledge was focused on machinery and human physical energy), the field has been growing. Knowledge once meant only accessing data and info, then developed into understanding gained from experience, analysis, and sharing. Now, knowledge management is more human centered and focused on around generating, capturing, sharing, and applying learning in order to achieve both customer satisfaction and innovation.
Plan International | Learning and Knowledge Management Advisor
Panel discussion on the state of knowledge management integration in reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) and HIV. Photo: Nemuson Studios.
Two years ago (2016), I participated in the first East African Community (EAC) Share Fair in Arusha, Tanzania, organized by Knowledge for Health (K4Health). While it was the first, the enthusiasm that accompanied the participation from the member states and implementing partners indicated a path to adoption of knowledge management practices. Fast forward two years, and we were in Uganda to not only take stock, but also determine how individual countries would integrate knowledge management toward better reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, adolescent health and HIV (RMNCAH & HIV) programming.
USAID Boresha Afya Program | Project Management and Communications Coordinator
Dr. Mashafi of USAID Boresha Afya – Southern Zone (Tanzania) poses a question to the panelists during the Share Fair. Photo: Nemuson Studios
The alarm rings at exactly 6:30am on 20 June 2018. It seems like I have only just blinked. A brand new day ushers in the beginning of the EAC Regional Share Fair. I yawn, then I stretch. Then I snooze for a couple more minutes before I get ready. The previous day’s trip to Uganda was quite exhausting. It is unfortunate we still do not have a direct flight to Entebbe from Dar es Salaam. (Private jet from USAID next time?)