The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), NEC Corporation Japan and Nagasaki University have developed a digital biometric-based vaccination management system for newborn children in Kenya.
The system aims ease the process of vaccination and enhance proper management of data.
Further it will promote the administration of appropriate vaccinations as the system would also be used by caregivers to schedule vaccinations visits.
This technology will be the first of its kind where biometric identification will be used at a hospital to identify newborn children at the time of vaccination, including those immediately after delivery.
“This technology marks the first time that biometric identification is being used at a hospital to identify newborn children at the time of vaccination, including those immediately after delivery,” a statement from NEC read in part
The new technology combines fingerprint identification for children and voice recognition for caregivers to confirm their identity saving time during vaccination visits as their will be no paper records.
In a statement, Prof. Sam Kariuki, Acting Director General, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), said this system will be instrumental in policy formulation and propelling action towards attainment of better health outcomes and Universal Health Coverage.
“We are excited that KEMRI together with its partners, is spearheading this landmark study that identifies newborns using a biometric and a vaccination management system that is not only in real time, but is also expected to support policy and action towards the attainment of better health outcomes and Universal Health Coverage. I am happy to announce that this tool will be validated by KEMRI researchers in partnership with Kinango Sub-County Hospital in Kwale, NEC Corporation and Nagasaki University,” he said.
By November 2022, data from over 300 caregivers and newborns had been registered through the system, and vaccination histories of over 150 newborns had been updated.
Going forward, the statement said, demonstration tests that network multiple hospitals will begin, aiming for full-scale introduction throughout Kenya by the end of 2023, and more international deployment in the future.
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