Ethiopia advances digital health strategy with focus on multitenant EMR system

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

Stakeholders in Ethiopia’s health and digital sectors have reaffirmed the need for a unified and well-governed approach to electronic medical records (EMR) as a critical component of the country’s digital health ecosystem.

The discussions took place during a stakeholder engagement convened in Addis Ababa by the Federal Ministry of Health Ethiopia in partnership with the Digital Impact Alliance.

Participants emphasized the importance of adopting a multitenant EMR system, a shared digital platform that allows multiple public and private health facilities to operate on a single, centrally managed infrastructure while maintaining control over their individual patient data. The model is expected to improve continuity of care, reduce duplication, and support the creation of consistent patient records across the healthcare system.

Central to the discussions was the role of data governance in ensuring the effectiveness and security of such a system. Stakeholders noted that clear frameworks defining data access, sharing protocols, consent mechanisms, and interoperability standards are essential to building trust and enabling large-scale implementation. The integration of national digital identity systems such as Fayda was highlighted as a key enabler for maintaining consistent patient identification.

The engagement also addressed persistent challenges within the current system, including fragmented EMR deployments, limited interoperability, and reliance on project-based implementations that are often difficult to sustain. There was broad consensus that transitioning to unified platforms supported by shared services and enforceable governance structures is necessary to drive long-term impact.

Participants underscored that the adoption of a multitenant EMR framework represents not only a technological shift but also a governance decision that requires clarity on data ownership, structured data-sharing practices, and the sequencing of governance alongside system implementation.

With Ethiopia’s digital public infrastructure gaining momentum, stakeholders stressed that successful execution will depend on disciplined design, strong governance, and coordinated action. They noted that if effectively implemented, the approach could position Ethiopia as a benchmark for secure, scalable digital health systems while enabling improved service delivery and innovation across the sector.