Kevin Oyowe
I am Kevin Oyowe, an IT programmer and manager at Global Health Innovations (GHI) in Kenya, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of HIV-infected and affected populations. I joined GHI in 2019, inspired by their innovative use of technology to enhance HIV care and prevention. Our flagship program, HITSystem, is a web-based platform that connects HIV testing laboratories, clinics, and patients to ensure timely delivery of test results and treatment initiation. Every day, I see the impact of our work. The HITSystem has reduced the rate of mother-to-child transmission of HIV from 18% to less than 2% in the facilities where it’s implemented. Thousands of children have been born free of HIV, giving them a better chance at life. Yet, our journey is not without challenges. From lack of adequate training and skills in eHealth to poor infrastructure and connectivity, we face numerous hurdles. However, we view these obstacles as opportunities to learn, innovate, and collaborate. What keeps me committed are the stories of our patients and beneficiaries. Stories of overcoming stigma, discrimination, and fear, gaining hope, confidence, and empowerment. These stories remind me of why I do what I do and why it matters. They inspire me to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in digital health solutions, contributing to the global goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030, and now also fighting against cancer.