Digital Technologies Transforming Healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa
Digital health technologies are rapidly reshaping healthcare delivery in many low- and middle-income countries across Sub-Saharan Africa. These innovations are designed not only to address financial barriers to healthcare access but also to foster improvements in innovation, partnerships, data management, and the overall performance of healthcare systems.
This review, provisionally accepted in Front. Digit. Health Sec., examines the current landscape of healthcare challenges, financing strategies, and the progress towards universal health coverage (UHC) in the region. It also delves into the adoption and implementation of various digital health technologies.
Key Themes and Focus
The research explores how digital solutions can improve health financing and advance UHC. The study provides a comprehensive overview and analysis of the impacts, opportunities and challenges.
Case Studies
The paper highlights specific examples of successful digital health initiatives, including:
- M-tiba (Kenya):
- Jamii (Tanzania):
- L’UNION TECHNIQUE DE LA MUTUALITÉ MALIENNE (Mali):
These case studies provide valuable insights into the practical application of digital health technologies and their impact on healthcare outcomes.
Recommendations and Future Directions
The review offers recommendations for scaling up successful initiatives. Furthermore, it addresses areas requiring policy enhancements, the fostering of collaborations, and continued support. Finally, the research identifies key gaps in knowledge and areas ripe for future exploration.
Authorship and Affiliations
The research was authored by a collaborative team, including:
- Olutola Vivian Awosiku, University College Hospital Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Ibrahim Nafisa Gbemisola, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
- Oluwafiponmile Thomas Oyediran, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo, Nigeria
- Oluwaseyi Muyiwa Egbewande, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
- Jibril Habibah Lami, Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Abuja, Nigeria
- Daniel Afolabi, Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
- Melody Okereke, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
- Fortune Effiong, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Note: Images of Oluwaseyi Muyiwa Egbewande not found.
