Ayobami Adekola

University of South Africa, South Africa

Title: Digital Health Innovations: Transforming Healthcare Access in Sub-Saharan Africa

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Biography

Ayobami Adekola is a public health researcher at the University of South Africa who specialises in leveraging technology to enhance health literacy and sexual and reproductive healthcare accessibility in underserved communities. His qualitative modelling and policy analysis skills address health inequities and determinants. Cited globally, government departments and private institutions incorporate his research into their policies as he contributes to the SDGs. He also serves on the editorial board of SAGE's International Journal of Qualitative Methods and PLOS One.

Abstract

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces considerable challenges in healthcare access, driven by limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and geographical barriers. These challenges exacerbate healthcare disparities, particularly affecting vulnerable and marginalized populations. However, the rise of digital health innovations offers a promising solution to these issues, providing an opportunity to advance social equity and justice in healthcare delivery. This study examines how digital technologies can be leveraged to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3 to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages in SSA. Guided by the Social Determinants of Health model, which highlights the influence of social, economic, and environmental factors on health outcomes, this chapter emphasizes the importance of addressing these underlying determinants to achieve health equity. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were employed to review publications between 2013 and 2024. Databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Africa Journal Online, Google Scholar, the Directory of Open Access Journals, and Scopus were searched for studies exploring the impact of digital health innovations on healthcare access and equity in SSA. The study found that digital health innovations significantly enhance healthcare access in SSA, particularly in underserved areas. Adoption depends on policy support, infrastructure, community engagement, specific healthcare needs, and perceived benefits such as improved processes and remote care. Challenges include regulatory issues, infrastructure gaps, resistance, limited digital literacy, and privacy concerns. For sustainability, integration into national health strategies and secure funding are essential. The study recommends investing in infrastructure, strengthening health information systems, promoting digital literacy, and encouraging community engagement while addressing ethical and legal considerations to ensure equitable and responsible use.

Keywords:

Digital Health Innovations; Healthcare Access; Health Equity; Sub-Saharan Africa; Sustainable Development Goal 3