Although Primary healthcare (PHC) remains the most cost-effective platform for achieving universal health coverage (UHC) in Africa, many PHC systems continue to struggle with inadequate financing, workforce shortages, weak referral systems, and limited community trust. One persistent but under-recognised challenge is poor access to timely, reliable, and usable health information among frontline workers and communities. In several African countries, health workers in rural facilities still rely on outdated treatment manuals, irregular supervisory visits, and fragmented reporting systems. This weakens clinical decision-making and undermines service quality.
The World Health Organisation estimated that nearly 50% of Africans lack access to essential health services, while sub-Saharan Africa carries approximately 24% of the global disease burden, with only about 3% of the global health workforce. Information inequity contributes significantly to this imbalance.
Information access should be viewed not merely as a communication issue but as a core PHC systems-strengthening intervention. In northern Nigeria, community health extension workers supporting maternal and child health programmes reported substantial improvements in immunisation follow-up after introducing mobile-based reporting and reminder systems linked to local government PHC departments. In one district in Kaduna State, missed childhood immunisation appointments reportedly declined by almost one-third within one year of introducing SMS reminder tracking supported by local civil society organisations.
Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, several African countries used digital information platforms and radio-based health education to sustain PHC outreach. In Rwanda, community health workers used mobile reporting tools to monitor symptoms and maintain continuity of care for chronic disease patients during lockdown periods. Such approaches demonstrated that information systems are not peripheral technologies; they are operational tools that improve continuity, accountability, and patient trust.
Sustainable PHC strengthening requires informed communities. In many rural African settings, misinformation about vaccines, reproductive health, and infectious diseases continues to delay care-seeking behaviour. In parts of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, distrust during Ebola outbreaks was linked partly to poor risk communication and exclusion of local leaders from health messaging processes. Conversely, where faith leaders, women’s groups, and local associations participated in information dissemination, uptake of preventive services improved measurably.
Experience across African civil society networks also shows that health information must be translated into local languages and adapted to literacy levels. Radio discussion programmes, pictorial materials, and community dialogue sessions often achieve greater impact than technical policy documents.
Therefore, strengthening PHC in Africa requires investments not only in infrastructure, medicines, and workforce expansion, but also in equitable access to actionable health information. Reliable information improves clinical performance, community participation, accountability, and resilience during health emergencies. Countries that institutionalise community-centred information systems within PHC frameworks are more likely to sustain long-term health gains and reduce preventable mortality.
Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje
Global Health and Development Projects Consultant | Conferences Organiser | Trainer| Facilitator | Researcher | M&E Expert | Civil Society Leader | Policy Advocate | Climate-Health Specialist
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HIFA profile: Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje is a leading voice in health education, community health, and advocacy, with decades of experience advancing people-centered development across Africa and beyond. His approach to health education emphasizes participatory learning, knowledge transfer, and behavior change communication, ensuring that individuals and communities gain the skills and awareness to make informed decisions about their health. He develops and delivers innovative health promotion strategies tailored to local realities, particularly in resource-limited settings. In community health, Dr. Adirieje has championed integrated primary health care, preventive medicine, and grassroots health initiatives. Through Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA), which he leads, he connects civil society, community groups, and health institutions to strengthen healthcare delivery, tackle health inequities, and improve access to essential services for vulnerable populations. His work addresses infectious diseases, maternal and child health, nutrition, climate and health, environmental health, and emerging public health challenges. As a passionate advocate, Dr. Adirieje works with governments, NGOs, and international organizations to influence health policy, mobilize resources, and promote sustainable development goals (SDGs). He amplifies community voices, ensuring that health systems are inclusive, accountable, and responsive. His advocacy extends beyond health to governance, environment, and social justice, positioning him as a multidisciplinary leader shaping healthier and more equitable societies. afrepton AT gmail.com