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DFG funds international research project on digital health in countries of the Global South

17.08.2026, Research:

The German Research Foundation (DFG) is providing funding of around 620,000 euros for the DigiAfya research project, which is being carried out by Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences (HNU) in collaboration with Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) in Tanzania, the University of the Western Cape in South Africa, the University of Rwanda and the University of Bremen. The project, led by Dr Felix Holl (project leader) and Prof. Dr Walter Swoboda, is dedicated to developing evaluation methods for digital public health interventions in resource-constrained countries.

Digital technologies are playing an increasingly important role in strengthening public health systems – particularly in resource-constrained regions. Against this backdrop, the DigiAfya project (‘Public Health Assessment Framework for Yielding Advancements’) is investigating how digital public health interventions can be systematically evaluated and implemented in a sustainable manner. The aim is to create robust frameworks and methods to support the effective use of digital technologies in healthcare and to make their impact measurable.

DigiAfya combines international scientific expertise with regional practical experience from various African countries and Europe. Close collaboration between the partner institutions is intended to help develop innovative solutions to global health challenges.

Incidentally, the word ‘Afya’ means ‘healthy’ in Swahili – a reference to the close partnership between HNU and MUHAS, where this language is widely spoken.

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