In Africa, there are only 0.21 doctors for every 1,000 people. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that there are 57 countries in the world that suffer from a severe lack of medical personnel; 36 of those countries are in Africa. Accessibility to health care is critical in Africa, where they face the burden of 25% of global disease. Turning to a method of health care delivery through a digital platform will decrease the gap between the people who need health care and those who can provide medical care.

Background

With increasing advances in smartphone connectivity, data privacy and security and mobile financing, digital health care in Africa can improve the health care system. For 20% of the population in sub-Saharan countries, essential health care services are over two hours away. These groups of hard-to-reach people include refugees, women, people from very low-income households and people with disabilities. Digital health care tools provide a way for these people to receive much-needed health care.

Key Tools

A few key tools have been identified to make digital health care in Africa efficient and successful. These tools can be implemented at all levels of health care, from primary to tertiary. Virtual interactions are among the most important modes of digital health care delivery. These interactions include teleconsultations, where patients and medical providers can interact remotely. The health care provider and patient can communicate from different countries. Remote monitoring of vital signs and symptoms helps doctors better manage a patient’s chronic illness, such as diabetes. 

One of the most helpful virtual interactions is the use of AI-based triaging. This practice allows people to input their medical needs and get pointed toward a primary care consultation or an emergency room visit. These tools give people access to important medical care right at their fingertips.

Electronic health records are also essential in providing digital health care in Africa. Electronic health records digitize patient data, significantly improving care continuity by allowing quick communication and information exchange between health care facilities. With a severe shortage of health care professionals in Africa, sharing patient data between medical providers is essential. Electronic prescriptions give a direct route from doctor to pharmacy. This practice allows people to receive the medications they need quickly.

As of March 2023, Africa CDC is launching a Digital Transformation Strategy to provide more health care services to people living in low-income and rural communities. Africa CDC’s Chief Digital Advisor, Jean Philbert Nsengimana, believes that now is the best time to utilize technology to deliver health care in Africa. The two main goals of this project are to transform Africa CDC into a digitally savvy institution and, in turn, put Africa CDC in a strong position to support African Union Member States in improving their public health systems. 

Final Thoughts

Poverty has long been a barrier to Africa’s ability to deliver widespread quality health care. Implementing digital health care in Africa will undoubtedly strengthen health care systems across the entire region. 

– Jacey Carey
Photo: Flickr