A recent report, funded by the UBS Optimus Foundation and African Development Bank, outlines a strategic blueprint for fast-tracking health technology innovations across Africa to expand universal health coverage and strengthen healthcare systems continent-wide.
Additionally, strengthening health technology in Africa could lead to a more significant development of health systems across the continent than expected.
Access to this technology could empower patient care, strengthen health workers, and facilitate access to global healthcare services.
As a result, Africa might make strides toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The study, prepared by VillageReach, involved data collection from innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, civil society, and government representatives in 11 African countries between May 2023 and February 2024.
The report outlines the challenges in the development of health technology. The key issues include the lack of unified, comprehensive, and updated policies; complex licensing processes; fragmented and poorly digitized health data systems; and insufficient funding and innovation incentives.
To address these challenges, the report suggests strengthening dialogue and coordination among healthtech stakeholders, improving policies on health data access and interoperability, and accelerating innovation while safeguarding data.
