The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Gondar organized a half-day research dissemination and sensitization workshop on assistive technology on May 29, 2023. The workshop brought together top management of the University of Gondar and Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, a multidisciplinary team of researchers, and concerned heads of departments.

The workshop aimed to promote inclusive education and empower persons with disabilities through the use of assistive technology. The participants discussed the importance of assistive technology in creating equal opportunities for persons with disabilities and the need for a dedicated research and development center for assistive technology at the University of Gondar.

The establishment of an Assistive Technology Research and Development Center at the University of Gondar was identified as a crucial step towards achieving the goal of promoting inclusive education and empowering persons with disabilities. The center would not only provide education and research opportunities for disabled individuals but also contribute to the development of locally appropriate assistive technology.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Gondar has been instrumental in supporting the education and empowerment of persons with disabilities. The research dissemination and sensitization workshop on assistive technology is yet another example of their commitment to this cause.

The University of Gondar is proud to be associated with such a noble initiative and looks forward to contributing to its success. The workshop was a significant milestone in the promotion of inclusive education and the empowerment of persons with disabilities through assistive technology. The establishment of an Assistive Technology Research and Development Center at the University of Gondar will serve as a beacon of hope for persons with disabilities, providing them with equal opportunities and access to education and research.

The workshop concluded with a discussion on the importance of assistive technology in promoting inclusive education and creating equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. The participants agreed that the establishment of an Assistive Technology Research and Development Center at the University of Gondar is a crucial step towards achieving this goal. The center will not only provide education and research opportunities for disabled individuals but also contribute to the development of locally appropriate assistive technology.

A policy that can implement health technology and information exchange in 55 African countries for the past four years has been successfully inaugurated by the leadership of Gondar University with the participation of more than 30 scientists from different countries in Nairobi, Kenya. Our university is a place where we proved that we can do more than that. We have discussed not only in this but also in other sectors how our university will be a major partner university. The last policy document we made has been translated into four languages and is on the African Union website. https://africacdc.org/…/African-union-health…/

The University of Gondar, in collaboration with the FMoH and WHO, launched Digital Adaptation Kits and SMART Guidelines. Digital Adaptation Kits (DAKs) are part of the SMART guidelines initiative and include data and health content consistent with WHO’s antenatal care recommendations, generically applicable to digital systems.  DAKs guide the preparation stage in a specific area of health once a ministry of health agrees on a plan for investing in its digital health ecosystem. Each DAK includes practical components such as workflow processes, data dictionaries, and decision logic. These ensure a greater understanding of both the health information in WHO recommendations and the collaborative process necessary for digital implementation.

DAKs can also ensure trust. With the ever-increasing number of available digital tools, DAKs help implementers, software developers, and users feel confident that digital content is accurate and in line with WHO recommendations. DAKs were developed by the WHO, HRP, the UNFPA, JSI, and PATH. It is grounded in the quality of care and human rights. Digital adaptation kits, known as DAKs, are an important layer in the SMART Guidelines, WHO’s approach to guideline development, delivery, and application in the digital age.

DAKs are software-neutral, operational, and structured documentation based on WHO clinical, health system, and data use recommendations to systematically and transparently inform the design of digital systems. The DAKs for ANC was launched earlier this year, and the approach is being expanded to other health domains. The University of Gondar, in collaboration with the FMoH and WHO, launched these smart guidelines. Discussions were held with decision makers, health workers, and digital health experts on operationalizing this!