Responding to Outreach and Training Challenges in Health Information: A Case Study from Africa

This article shares the experience and lessons learned by Information Training and Outreach Center for Africa (ITOCA) in rolling out an on-line distance learning course. Key objectives were to explore the efficacy of online courses in increasing skills and awareness of electronic resources access initiatives. This is in the context of responding to limited funding alongside low awareness and usage of the resources. The initiative involved several stake-holders including ITOCA, Research 4 Life (R4Life), and the World Health Organization (WHO). The process used to set up the course and the results are described. Challenges and lessons learned are highlighted. Various recommendations for improving future courses are proposed. It is concluded that on-line learning is the fastest, least expensive, and most convenient mode of training and outreach, especially when compared with face-to-face delivery. It should be acknowledged that this mode of training requires much time, planning, and effective communication between the different parties.