Jean Philbert Nsengimana: Pioneer of the Digital Health Transformation in Africa

In the field of public health, digital transformation is becoming a cornerstone for enhancing the capabilities of healthcare systems. Across Africa, there is a growing importance on integrating digital tools and technologies to improve disease surveillance, health data management and access to healthcare services, especially in underserved regions. This shift towards digital health is crucial for strengthening health systems and addressing the continent’s unique public health challenges.

Jean Philbert Nsengimana serves as the Chief Digital Advisor driving digital transformation in public health across Africa. With a strong background in digital technology and health, Phil is known for his visionary leadership and ability to implement innovative solutions that address complex health challenges. His approach is marked by a commitment to aligning digital health initiatives with strategic goals, ensuring they are scalable and sustainable. JP’s leadership is characterized by his focus on capacity building, innovation, and collaboration, shaping the future of digital health on the continent.

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ACDC), the organization plays a pivotal role in revolutionizing public health through digital advancements. By prioritizing excellence, innovation, and equity, ACDC is building a robust digital health infrastructure that supports disease surveillance, data analytics and health information management. Through strategic partnerships and a commitment to developing homegrown solutions, ACDC is at the forefront of creating a resilient and responsive health system in Africa, driving both health improvements and economic growth.

Let’s explore how Phil is transforming Africa’s health landscape through innovative digital solutions:

The Journey in Digital Health Transformation

Phil’s journey into digital technology and public health is deeply intertwined with the history of Rwanda and the personal experiences that have shaped his path. Initially, he embarked on an academic journey in the School of Medicine, driven by a strong desire to contribute to healthcare and save lives. The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi nearly annihilated Rwandan society, forcing Phil to drop out of university as the country plunged into chaos and despair.

When Phil resumed his studies, the university introduced a new program—computer science. At the time, this field was still in its infancy, especially in Africa, but something about it piqued his curiosity. He recognized that this emerging field held transformative potential—not just for individuals but for entire societies. He saw it as a game changer, a way to rebuild and propel Rwanda and Africa forward.

By the time he graduated, his focus had shifted entirely from medicine to the burgeoning field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). He was determined to leverage ICT as a tool for development. A few years into his career, his path converged once again with the health sector, this time through the lens of technology. He helped start and led Voxiva Rwanda, a mobile health company that played a critical role in designing and deploying Africa’s first mobile health solutions for scaling up HIV control and integrated disease surveillance programs. This experience was profoundly fulfilling as it allowed him to reconnect with his original aspiration of saving lives, but now, through the power of technology. It was during this period that he truly witnessed how digital tools could be harnessed to address pressing health challenges, ultimately improving lives and health outcomes on a large scale.

This journey—from medicine to ICT for development and finally to digital health—has been one of transformation, both personal and professional. The challenges he faced early on only strengthened his resolve to find innovative solutions to the complex problems he faced, particularly in public health.

Spearheading Africa’s Digital Health Revolution

As the Chief Digital Advisor at the Africa CDC, Phil’s primary responsibility is to lead the organization’s digital transformation strategy. This involves overseeing the development and implementation of digital health initiatives that enhance the continent’s ability to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats.

In addition, Phil always ensures that digital health initiatives align with the broader strategic plan of Africa CDC and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. He works closely with Member States, partners and stakeholders to build digital health systems that are interoperable, scalable and sustainable. This includes the deployment of digital public infrastructure for health and digital tools for disease surveillance, data analytics and health information management.

His efforts also include strengthening the digital health workforce across the continent and promoting homegrown HealthTech innovation. This involves developing training programs, fostering partnerships with academic institutions, and creating opportunities for young professionals to enter the digital health space. Additionally, he is responsible for advocating for the adoption of digital health policies at the national and regional levels, ensuring that they are informed by the latest technological advancements and best practices.

Collaborative Leadership Driving Digital Health Innovation in Africa

Phil’s leadership style is collaborative and motivational, with a strong emphasis on action and results. He believes in the power of collective intelligence and the importance of bringing diverse voices to the table. At the Africa CDC, where the organization addresses complex public health challenges on a massive scale, it is crucial to foster a culture of collaboration and innovation.

His leadership style aligns with the mission of the Africa CDC by prioritizing the organization’s core values—excellence, innovation and equity. The small but fast-growing digital team is encouraged to think creatively and challenge the status quo, which is essential for driving digital transformation in a developing field. He emphasizes capacity building and knowledge sharing, ensuring that efforts are sustainable and that the skills and expertise of the team and partners are continually developed.

Phil shares, “I always strive to maintain a high level of alignment with the Africa CDC’s mission of protecting Africa’s health.” He is deeply invested in the success of digital health initiatives and works closely with his team to overcome challenges and seize opportunities in this dynamic field.

A Catalyst for African Healthcare and Economic Growth

Phil believes that digital transformation has the potential to be a game-changer for Africa’s health systems. By leveraging digital technologies, Africa CDC can make healthcare more accessible, affordable and of higher quality, particularly in remote and underserved areas. This can significantly improve health outcomes, enhance well-being and ultimately save lives.

Digital tools are strengthening disease surveillance by enabling real-time data collection and analysis. This allows health authorities to detect outbreaks earlier and respond more effectively, preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Telemedicine platforms are bridging the gap between patients and healthcare providers, offering vital health services to those who might otherwise go without. Mobile health applications are empowering individuals to take control of their health by providing them with information and tools to manage chronic conditions, track their health metrics and access preventive care.

Digital transformation can also drive economic prosperity in Africa. The digital health sector has the potential to create jobs, foster innovation and stimulate economic growth. By supporting the development of home-grown HealthTech startups, Phil and his team can build a vibrant ecosystem that not only improves health outcomes but also contributes to broader economic development through increased investment, technology transfer and job creation.

Staying at the Forefront of Digital Health

Phil shares, “To stay informed in the fast-paced fields of digital technology and public health requires a proactive and adaptive approach.” He prioritizes continuous learning and engagement with the latest research, trends and innovations by regularly hosting and attending relevant convenings to interact with experts and thought leaders from around the world. Since 2022, Phil has led the organization of the Africa HealthTech Summit, Africa’s leading digital health event.

Phil learns a lot through social media, particularly LinkedIn and Twitter, and follows leading journals and publications in both digital technology and public health, ensuring that I am up to date with the latest studies and reports. Phil engages with academic institutions, research organizations and thought leaders that are at the forefront of digital health research, which allows them to stay informed about emerging technologies and best practices.

Additionally, he actively participates in digital health communities of practice, both regionally and globally. Phil is the pioneer and co-chair of the Africa Digital Health Networks, an umbrella organization of Africa’s digital health communities of practice. The network and its members are a valuable source of information and inspiration.

Empowering Africa’s Youth

Supporting young people has always been a central part of Phil’s work since he was in the Government of Rwanda as Minister of Youth and ICT. He believes, “Africa’s youth is the key to unlocking the continent’s potential in digital health and beyond.” “Therefore, I am committed to creating opportunities for young people to engage with and contribute to the digital health ecosystem,” he added.

Phil advocates for the inclusion of youth in all levels of decision-making processes within the Africa CDC and in its partnerships with other organizations. Phil also prioritizes the development of training and mentorship programs aimed at equipping young professionals with the skills they need to succeed in digital health.

He always promotes initiatives that provide young innovators with platforms to showcase their solutions and connect with potential investors and partners. This includes the Africa HealthTech Summit, where Africa CDC features youth-led startups and innovations. By empowering young people and giving them the tools and opportunities to thrive, Africa CDC is not only investing in the future of digital health but also contributing to the broader goal of sustainable development in Africa.

Building Enduring Partnerships for Africa’s Health Future

“My approach to partnerships is based on mutual respect, shared goals and a commitment to long-term collaboration,” Phil states. He begins by identifying partners—including governments, private sector companies, non-governmental organizations and academic institutions—who share vision and values and who bring complementary strengths to the Africa CDC.

After establishing a partnership, Phil focuses on building strong, trust-based relationships. This involves open communication, transparency and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. Phil works to ensure that the initiatives he undertakes are not only impactful in the short term but also have the potential for long-term success. This includes capacity building, knowledge transfer and the development of local expertise, which are essential for ensuring that the benefits of its partnerships endure beyond the lifespan of individual projects.

Blueprint for Success in Digital Technology and Public Health

Phil’s advice to young professionals is to be curious, passionate and resilient. He believes, “Digital technology and public health are fields that require continuous learning and adaptation, so it’s important to stay curious and open to new ideas and innovations.” “Passion is also essential to keep you motivated in the face of challenges and setbacks,” he added.

He encourages young professionals to seek out mentorship and build networks. He suggests surrounding yourself with people who inspire you and who can offer guidance and support as you navigate your career. Phil suggests, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, take risks and pursue opportunities that align with your values and goals.”

Phil asserts, “Success in digital technology and public health is not always immediate, but with dedication and a commitment to your vision, you can have a lasting impact.”

Advancing Africa’s Public Health

Phil’s future career goals revolve around advancing the digital transformation of public health systems in Africa, with a strong focus on developing digital public infrastructure for health and harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI). Phil aims to scale the digital health initiatives at Africa CDC to ensure they reach more countries and have a broader impact. He has planned to develop integrated solutions that address these challenges completely by recognizing the interconnectedness of public health with economic development, public service delivery, climate resilience, and job creation.

Building robust digital public infrastructure is crucial for enabling efficient health data management, AI-driven analytics and real-time decision-making. This infrastructure can also link with other sectors, such as agriculture, environment and e-government, to enhance one health, advance financial inclusion and improve access to public services. AI, in particular, holds the potential to revolutionize disease surveillance, predictive analytics, and personalized healthcare, making our health systems more responsive and resilient.

To achieve these goals, Phil will continue leveraging his experience and network while staying at the forefront of advancements in digital technologies and public health. He feels confident about bringing transformative change in Africa’s health systems, contributing to a future where technology and AI drive both public health improvements and broader socio-economic progress.