By Gladstone Elikem Doh, P.A-Medical, MPH
Digital health, as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO), is the “field of knowledge and practice associated with the development and use of digital technologies to improve health” (WHO Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025).
It includes telemedicine, mobile health (mHealth), electronic health records (EHRs), artificial intelligence (AI), and health information systems. Globally, digital health is transforming healthcare accessibility, affordability, and efficiency, reducing hospital congestion and improving continuity of care.
In Africa, digital health plays a critical role in addressing long-standing healthcare challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, shortages of healthcare workers, and geographic barriers to care.
Across the continent, several digital health interventions have demonstrated significant success. In Ghana and South Africa, Berry Health and Hello Doctor have respectively revolutionized healthcare accessibility by offering phone and video-based doctor consultations, reducing the need for physical hospital visits and bridging the gap between remote populations and medical professionals (Health-e News, 2021, Business & Financial Times 2024).
Zipline, a drone-based medical supply delivery system operating in Rwanda, Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya, has significantly improved access to essential medications and blood supplies in remote areas. With this, the Rwandan Ministry of Health reported a notable decline in maternal mortality rates due to the timely delivery of blood and medical supplies (The New Times, 2022).
mPharma, a Ghana-based Pharmaceutical company also leverages technology to improve medicine accessibility; and according to the Africa Report (2023), mPharma has provided affordable medicines to over two million patients across Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and other African countries. These interventions demonstrate how African countries have adopted and adapted digital health technologies to enhance healthcare access despite infrastructural challenges.
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) ensures that everyone receives essential healthcare services without suffering financial hardship. The WHO defines it as access to “the full spectrum of essential health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care” (WHO, 2019).
In Africa, digital health has contributed positively to UHC in several ways; It has expanded healthcare access by bridging the gap between remote populations and healthcare providers.
For instance, a study published in the African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine (2023) found that mobile health interventions in Kenya significantly improved maternal and child healthcare by providing real-time medical guidance to pregnant women through SMS-based services. The use of AI and data analytics in health decision-making has also played a crucial role in UHC efforts.
South Africa’s National Health Insurance (NHI) digital pilot project has used integrated digital data to optimize health resource allocation and ensure equitable access to care (Business Day SA, 2022). Digital health continues to play a vital role in Africa’s disease surveillance, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic when Ghana’s COVID-19 Tracker App enabled real-time monitoring of infections, aiding a more coordinated response (Ghana Health Service, 2021).
Despite these achievements, several challenges hinder the full integration of digital health solutions into African healthcare systems. One of the primary obstacles is inadequate digital infrastructure and limited internet connectivity. According to GSMA’s Mobile Economy Report (2023), only 45 percent of Africa’s population has access to mobile internet, which significantly restricts the reach of digital health solutions.
Another pressing issue is digital literacy gaps among healthcare providers and patients. A study conducted in Ethiopia revealed that only 30 percent of health workers were proficient in using electronic health records (Ethiopian Medical Journal, 2022), indicating the need for more digital health training programs.
Additionally, as digital health expands, concerns about data privacy and security have become increasingly important. The African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy (2020-2030) emphasizes the necessity of robust data protection laws to safeguard patient information and prevent cybersecurity breaches.
Moreover, cultural resistance to digital healthcare solutions remains a significant barrier, as some patients and healthcare providers still prefer traditional face-to-face consultations, which slows the adoption of telemedicine and other digital health tools.
To maximize digital health’s impact on UHC in Africa, a strategic approach must be adopted: Investments in digital infrastructure are essential, as expanding broadband internet and mobile network coverage will enhance access to digital healthcare services.
Training programs aimed at building digital health capacity among healthcare workers and patients must also be prioritized. Universities and training institutions should integrate digital health courses into medical and nursing curricula to equip future healthcare professionals with the necessary digital skills.
Collaborations between governments, technology companies, and global organizations can drive sustainable digital health solutions. A notable example is the World Bank’s collaborations and investments in telemedicine initiatives in Africa, which has demonstrated the benefits of cross-sector partnerships in improving healthcare delivery (World Bank, 2023). Furthermore, governments must develop and enforce strong policy and regulatory frameworks to address cybersecurity risks and promote the interoperability of digital health systems, ensuring efficiency and seamless integration.
A key component in the success of digital health and UHC in Africa is the role of community health workers (CHWs). CHWs are the backbone of primary healthcare delivery in many African countries, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Equipping them with digital health skills will enhance service delivery, making healthcare more efficient and accessible. For example, in Malawi, the use of the Chipatala Cha Pa Foni (CCPF) or “Health Centre by Phone,” mobile application has empowered CHWs to provide remote consultations and health education, leading to improved maternal and child health outcomes (Malawi Medical Journal, 2023).
Digital health has the potential to transform healthcare in Africa, making UHC a reality by expanding access, reducing costs, and improving service delivery. However, addressing infrastructural limitations, digital illiteracy, and data security concerns will be crucial in maximizing digital health’s role in achieving UHC in Africa.
Training community health workers in digital health technologies is a crucial step toward ensuring that digital innovations translate into tangible healthcare improvements. As Africa navigates the digital health revolution, governments, policymakers, and stakeholders must take a strategic and inclusive approach to ensure that no one is left behind. With the right investments, attitudes and policies, digital health can serve as a powerful tool in achieving equitable and sustainable healthcare for all.
BYLINE:
Gladstone Elikem Doh, P.A-Medical, MPH.
Gladstone Elikem Doh is a Physician Assistant with a Masters in Public Health, integrating clinical expertise, public health research, and digital health innovations. Passionate about improving patient outcomes and strengthening health systems, he bridges clinical care with technology-driven public health initiatives.
He can be reached via: [email protected]
