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Addressing The Healthcare Divide In Africa
Despite the proven success of mobile money in addressing financial inclusion in sub-Saharan Africa, the region has yet to achieve the same level of progress in addressing the healthcare divide through digital technologies.
The healthcare divide in sub-Saharan Africa remains prominent, characterized by disparities and inequalities within healthcare systems that result in differential access to healthcare services and outcomes. According to Ms Rizwana Mia, Senior Program Manager of Precision Medicine & The SAMRC Genomics Centre, who spoke at the inaugural Smart Health Summit held in Johannesburg, the region has the potential to significantly improve the healthcare divide by embracing digital healthcare services. However, several challenges hinder the progress of digital health in the region, including language barriers, low digital literacy, and limited access to electricity.
For instance, the diversity within the 750 million people in sub-Saharan Africa is immense, with each country comprising cultural and ethnic groups that have their own languages. This poses significant difficulties for doctors trying to communicate with patients from different ethnic groups where there is no common language. Moreover, many African countries still grapple with electricity outages, making it challenging for individuals to access healthcare services online when their smartphones lack power.
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To enable more people to access healthcare digitally, a conducive environment must be established. Mia suggests that sub-Saharan countries should create an environment for digital health by increasing investment in digital technologies, improving infrastructure, and establishing the appropriate regulatory framework. Governments should ensure reliable electricity supply, promote affordable internet access, support digital literacy programs, and develop regulatory frameworks that facilitate the growth of digital health.
With improved digital health solutions, countries in the sub-Saharan will benefit from:
- Efficiency and Quality in healthcare facilities
- Aggregation of health data to policy makers for effective resourcing and support
- Disease Management and Prevention
- Patient Tracking and Safety
- Universal Health Coverage
- Acceleration of the sustainable development goal agenda (SDG)