Introduction
In recent years, technology has continued to revolutionize the world, particularly in the field of health. Indeed, digital research facilitates the care pathway for both doctors and patients. This is already approved in many countries around the world, particularly in regions that live in the medical desert. Although health challenges are still numerous and more critical in Africa, the continent is among the beneficiaries of the development of e-health. Africans are pinning their hopes on digital technology to bring about a real revolution in health systems.
Lack of Funding and Many Diseases are Eating Away at Health in Africa
According to the WHO, Africa still suffers from the medical desert, and it seems to be getting worse by the day. 57 countries in the world are victims of the shortage of health workers, 36 of which are on the African continent. Indeed, the latter is home to only 1.3% of health professionals or 0.21 doctors per 1000 inhabitants. While the epidemiological transition is not yet complete in Africa, the challenges continue to multiply. Indeed, the black continent is still in the midst of a fight against endemic diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis and AIDS. Added to this list are chronic diseases, including diabetes and cancers. At the same time, emerging infectious diseases, including Lassa fever, monkeypox, Ebola and Covid-19 are also raging. Despite this problem, Africa still lacks funding. Many African countries have so far not achieved the objectives set in the Abuja Declaration in 2001, including the allocation of 15% of the national budget for health.
Digital Technology: An Opportunity to Develop the African Health System
E-health provides many benefits, including better patient care. In addition, it can promote telemedicine, which will facilitate access to care in rural areas and regions suffering from medical deserts. As for health workers, they will be able to strengthen their capacities through e-learning. Thus, the use of digital technologies and ICTs could be a solution to achieve the WHO’s triple billion goal in its thirteenth general program of work 2019-2023. It aims for an additional billion people to benefit from universal health coverage, better protection against health emergencies, and better health and well-being.
Conclusion
Digital technology would also be a key factor in promoting the expansion of universal health coverage by providing solutions to various problems, such as costs, difficult access or poor quality of care. Digital technology could also extend the range of services offered, particularly in areas where infrastructure and healthcare professionals are scarce or even absent.
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