By utilising modern technology and data science, this project seeks to enhance data collection models and provide reliable information.

During a two-day international dissemination workshop [26–27 June] in Blantyre, health sector experts emphasised the significance of the Inspire PEACH project for vulnerable economies and its potential as a solution for African countries.

Dr. Thokozani Liwewe, the Lilongwe District Medical Officer, stressed the importance of interventions like PEACH to improve data quality and enhance data models and tools.

"Beyond the efforts implemented by Malawi's government during the four waves of the COVID-19 outbreak, there is still a need for interventions like PEACH to address the challenges of data quality, which are common in many African countries," explained Dr Liwewe.

Maziko Matemba, a public health expert and Executive Director for Health and Rights Education Programme (HREP) in Malawi, highlighted the opportunity presented by the Inspire PEACH project to integrate and coordinate data through digital technology.

The Inspire PEACH project is a collaborative effort involving significant partners and stakeholders.

It was established by the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) in collaboration with the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), the ALPHA network of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) from the UK, the South African Population Research Infrastructure Network (SAPRIN) from South Africa, and the Committee on Data of the International Science Council (CODATA) from France.

Together, they established a data hub for COVID-19 data in Kenya and Malawi.

While the Inspire PEACH project is set to conclude on June 30, 2023, the Inspire platform will continue to explore other dimensions of current health issues and preparedness for future pandemics.

Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, Inspire focused on addressing data challenges associated with HIV/AIDS in Africa.