Africa CDC launches new digital health platform to address Africa’s healthcare crisis

RWANDA – The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has unveiled the Africa HealthTech Marketplace, a new digital platform designed to help bridge the healthcare gap affecting millions across Africa.

Launched on October 29, 2024, during the Africa Health-Tech Summit in Kigali, this platform offers a range of digital tools and resources tailored to African nations’ diverse technology needs.

Developed in collaboration with the Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL), the platform aims to empower healthcare providers by improving access to affordable, scalable, and sustainable health solutions.

Currently, a severe healthcare crisis looms over the continent.

An estimated 600 million people in Africa lack access to essential health services, creating widespread challenges—from weakened public health systems and stagnant economies to deepening social inequalities.

Inadequate healthcare infrastructure, a shortage of trained health professionals, and large rural areas with limited or no health services are factors contributing to this crisis.

In many African countries, there are fewer than two healthcare workers per 1,000 people, far below global standards, severely restricting access to medical care.

H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, emphasised the transformative potential of the Africa HealthTech Marketplace, calling it “a game-changer for healthcare in Africa.”

He noted that the platform not only showcases innovative, locally developed digital health tools but also empowers health providers, governments, and development organizations with access to these solutions, thereby enhancing healthcare across the continent.

The platform enables government technologists, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to navigate, evaluate, and adopt digital solutions tailored to their specific needs.

It centralizes a catalog of trusted tools, products, and resources, simplifying digital transformation and allowing health stakeholders to find and integrate relevant solutions more effectively.

Governments, development agencies, and policymakers can use these resources to enhance public health outcomes and meet urgent healthcare needs.

Dr. Jean Philbert Nsengimana, Chief Digital Advisor at Africa CDC, added that the Marketplace simplifies access to digital health solutions.

 “Our goal,” he said, “is to make it easier for governments, health providers, and development organizations to implement solutions that work for their communities.”

He emphasized that by offering visibility to African innovators, the platform allows these groups to connect with trusted digital health solutions specifically designed for African settings.

The Africa HealthTech Marketplace was created as part of Africa CDC’s Digital Transformation Strategy, launched in 2023.

Diana Sang, Africa Director at DIAL, highlighted the platform’s role in fostering a community of innovators and changemakers who are providing essential services to improve lives across Africa.

“We hope this will become a vibrant community, offering insights into these digital tools and their application in diverse settings,” Sang noted.

She stressed that DIAL’s mission involves building connections between governments and changemakers, helping to transform complex digital knowledge into practical solutions for public health needs.

Sang further expressed that the Marketplace serves as a hub for African health stakeholders, allowing users to interact, provide feedback, and suggest improvements on digital solutions.

“Our vision is to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation,” she added.

This vision aims to not only increase visibility for African innovators but also to ensure healthcare providers across Africa can easily find and implement reliable, cost-effective digital health tools.

Dr. Nsengimana concluded by expressing optimism for the platform’s future, highlighting its potential to drive meaningful development and foster partnerships within the African health tech ecosystem.

He stated that the Marketplace is a critical resource for providing accessible digital health solutions, addressing the healthcare needs of the 600 million-plus Africans who currently lack access to essential medical services.

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