Middle East and North African Health Informatics Association (MENAHIA)

Abstract

The region of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is diverse and retains a superior growth potential. It benefits from a privileged geographical location with big markets, a young and growing educated population, and competitive advantages in several industries. Regardless of their differences, countries face shared concerns, most notably in health. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, MENA countries enact reforms to create a more robust and inclusive digital health systems to increase growth, development, and integrity. Throughout the coordinated containment and mitigation efforts, most of the countries have integrated digital technologies into the health systems. These procedures include digital government initiatives, the introduction of digital health training courses, live video surgeries and virtual patient monitoring, rural and remote telemedicine programs, and the development of a national electronic health records (EHR) system. Each country took necessary actions to address equity, literacy, and development of resilient health systems. The nine featured countries in this report illustrate the diversity among the MENA region and account for major opportunities and achievements as well as promises and challenges that “digital health” presents for its populations.

Strengths and Obstacles of Health Informatics and Health Information Management Education and Professions in Hail City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study

“…This perspective emphasizes the role of HIIM in streamlining healthcare operations, improving patient care, and fostering educational and research initiatives in health. Furthermore, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) accentuates the role of HI in the design, development, adoption, and application of IT-based innovations in the healthcare sector [ 5 ].…”