U.S. and Zambia Celebrate Milestones in Healthcare Digitization with SmartCare Pro Expansion
The U.S. Ambassador to Zambia, Michael Gonzales, and Zambia’s Smart Zambia Institute National Coordinator, Percy Chinyama, joined forces to celebrate the expansion of the SmartCare electronic health record (EHR) system.
The event, held at Ciela Resort in Lusaka, marked the continuation of the SmartCare initiative, which began in 2005 as a partnership between the U.S. Government and the Government of the Republic of Zambia.
Ambassador Gonzales highlighted the long-standing collaboration between the two governments, noting that SmartCare has evolved over nearly two decades to meet Zambia’s growing health information system needs.
Supported by funds from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched the Global Public Health Data Innovation (GHPDI) initiative, allocating $6.13 million to Zambia to enhance its health information systems over a three-year period.
During his remarks, Gonzales emphasized that the U.S. government’s investments in Zambia’s health sector, amounting to over $300 million since 2005, are designed to build sustainable systems that enhance healthcare delivery across the country.
He noted that SmartCare’s expansion aligns with Zambia’s National Digital Health Strategy 2022-2026, aiming to transition all existing SmartCare sites to the updated SmartCare Pro system by the end of September 2025.
“Today’s celebration of SmartCare Pro represents a significant milestone in the digitization of patient records,” said Ambassador Gonzales. “This advancement is a testament to our collaborative efforts to combat HIV and enhance the overall health system. We are not just providing services; we are building systems that will last.”
The event also showcased the successful deployment of SmartCare Pro to 406 health facilities across Lusaka, Copperbelt, and Southern provinces. With the goal of expanding to an additional 1,199 health facilities by next year, this initiative is set to ensure that no one is left behind in Zambia’s journey towards a more resilient and responsive healthcare system.
Smart Zambia Institute’s Percy Chinyama echoed these sentiments, lauding the transformative potential of SmartCare Pro in streamlining administrative tasks, enhancing patient care coordination, and improving overall efficiency within healthcare facilities. He reiterated the Zambian government’s commitment to ensuring that healthcare is accessible to all citizens, regardless of location.
“We are not just witnessing the growth of a project; we are witnessing the evolution of a healthcare system that is becoming increasingly resilient, efficient, and responsive to the needs of our Zambian people,” Chinyama stated.
The U.S. government’s support extends beyond SmartCare, encompassing other critical health systems such as laboratory information, commodities management, and electronic logistics management information systems.
Since 2004, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has been a significant donor to Zambia’s HIV response, contributing approximately $6.7 billion towards saving lives and strengthening health systems.
The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the strong partnership between the United States and Zambia, as both nations continue to work together to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in healthcare.
