Digital health services are becoming increasingly important for Africa.
Debbie Rogers, CEO of the South African digital health organization Africa CDC, believes this technology is the key to helping the continent reach global health care standards.
NEW TECHNOLOGIES ARE TRANSFORMING HEALTH CARE IN AFRICA
In recent years, there have been tangible examples of this progress across the continent.
For instance, in Rwanda’s rural areas, drones are being used to transport blood and medicines, delivering health services to hard-to-reach regions.
In addition, artificial intelligence tools that predict disease outbreaks allow Rwanda to take action before major epidemics occur.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE AFRICA HEALTH TECHNOLOGY SUMMIT
At the Africa Health Technology Summit held last week, policymakers, innovators, and public health officials came together to develop and expand such projects.
Over three days, participants discussed how emerging technologies such as AI, robotics, and mobile health platforms could make health care more efficient, affordable, and inclusive — and how they could reach communities left behind by traditional health systems.
Experts agree that while geographical challenges and lack of funding remain major issues across the continent, technology offers a major opportunity to overcome traditional barriers — provided it is adapted to local contexts.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS STRENGTHENING HEALTH CARE
Artificial intelligence has significant potential to make health care more efficient. According to Rogers, AI can help identify risks earlier, personalize communication, and optimize resource use.
“AI doesn’t replace the human touch; it strengthens it,” she said.
“By automating routine tasks and predicting certain conditions, AI allows health workers to focus their time where it matters most — on patient care and relationship-building.”
Rogers also emphasized that digital platforms can help overcome challenges such as a shortage of skilled personnel and limited access to services.
THREE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS FOR SUCCESS IN DIGITAL HEALTH
Experts highlight three essential elements for a successful digital health system:
Trust: Users must be confident that their data is secure and used responsibly.
Relevance: Technology should respond to real needs, not generic assumptions.
Integration: Digital systems should empower, not replace, health workers.
According to experts, AI can provide the greatest benefit to health systems when it functions effectively as a “doctor’s assistant.”