Telemedicine Revolutionizes Healthcare Access in Sub-Saharan Africa Amid COVID-19 Challenges

March 29, 2025
Telemedicine Revolutionizes Healthcare Access in Sub-Saharan Africa Amid COVID-19 Challenges
  • A systematic review analyzed 53 studies published between 2014 and 2024 to assess the adoption and implementation of telemedicine in these countries.

  • Telemedicine is increasingly recognized as a crucial solution to healthcare access challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria.

  • To enhance the sustainability of telemedicine, key recommendations include investments in broadband expansion, policy harmonization, and training for healthcare providers.

  • Despite facing considerable infrastructural and regulatory challenges, Nigeria is making strides in innovating remote diagnosis and teleconsultation technologies.

  • South Africa is leading the way in telemedicine adoption, with a strong focus on teleconsultations, chronic disease management, and mental health services.

  • In Kenya, the integration of mobile health (mHealth) has been particularly successful, especially in areas such as maternal health, HIV care, and sexual and reproductive health services.

  • The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the global adoption of telemedicine, highlighting the need for new digital solutions to maintain healthcare delivery during lockdowns.

  • However, the adoption of telemedicine in Sub-Saharan Africa is hindered by challenges such as regulatory gaps, digital literacy issues, and inadequate infrastructure.

Summary based on 1 source


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