In a recent roundtable hosted by Mark Chataway of Finn Partners, Levi Shapiro, the founder of MHealth Israel and Yaniv Gelnik of GSD Africa, a distinguished group of African healthcare experts and stakeholders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of health technology on the continent. The session, enriched by diverse perspectives from across the continent, delved into the opportunities and challenges faced by the region in the realms of health innovation, digitisation, and investment.
Africa’s Demographic Dividend
Mark Chataway, an expert with nearly four decades of experience in healthcare projects across Africa, set the stage with an insightful presentation on the continent’s demographic dynamics. He highlighted Africa’s youthful population as a significant asset. Over the next century, Africa's youth will be a major driver of economic growth, provided the right investments are made in healthcare and education.
Chataway identified three crucial areas for policymakers: maximising opportunities for young lives, ensuring older adults remain productive, and managing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). He emphasised the role of technology and AI in addressing these issues, noting that while donor attention remains focused on communicable diseases, there is an urgent need to invest in NCD prevention and management.
Innovative Health Insurance Solutions
Nancy Naa Ampah, a seasoned professional in the Ghanaian health insurance sector, underscored the pivotal role of health insurance in driving healthcare innovation. She explained how insurance facilitates access to healthcare, improves cash flow for providers, and encourages the adoption of new technologies. Nancy also highlighted the importance of data gathered by insurance companies in identifying healthcare trends and gaps, which can inform policy and innovation.
Yaniv Gelnik, leading the discussion, reinforced Nancy's points with examples of Israeli companies making significant inroads in African healthcare. Ewave MD, with its ability to detect fraud, and Nanox, offering affordable diagnostic screening alternatives, are prime examples of how technology-driven insurance solutions can enhance healthcare delivery.
Kenya’s Strategic Position
Dr. Irungu Nyakera, Chairman of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), provided insights into Kenya’s strategic approach to healthcare. With a vast logistics network covering over 15,000 facilities, KEMSA is pivotal in ensuring the distribution of health products across the country. Nyakera emphasised the need for localising manufacturing to reduce dependency on imports and enhance healthcare delivery.
Nyakera also discussed Kenya’s leadership in mobile payments and its potential to drive health technology adoption. He mentioned the upcoming launch of Kenya’s universal healthcare program in Kenya, highlighting the government's commitment to healthcare innovation and accessibility. Nyakera invited global partners to collaborate with KEMSA in developing cost-effective solutions for the region.
Addressing Nigeria’s Healthcare Challenges
Dr. Henri Onyemachi, Executive Chairman, Redbridge Healthcare Group shared his perspective on Nigeria’s healthcare challenges and opportunities. He pointed out the significant infrastructure gaps and the need for technology to bridge these divides. Dr. Henri emphasised the critical role of telemedicine and innovative solutions in addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals and improving access to care in remote areas.
He highlighted successful initiatives like Zipline who use drone logistics for medical supplies in Kenya, Rwanda and Ghana, which have shown great potential for healthcare delivery in Nigeria. Dr. Henri called for more cost-effective and efficient solutions, underscoring the importance of sustainable financing models to ensure long-term success.
Looking Ahead
The roundtable underscored the immense potential of health technology to transform Africa’s healthcare landscape. From innovative insurance models to local manufacturing and telemedicine, the discussions highlighted practical solutions to address the continent’s unique challenges.
Yaniv Gelnik’s leadership in guiding the conversation showcased GSD Africa’s deep understanding of the African health tech ecosystem. By connecting Israeli technology companies with African healthcare needs, GSD Africa is playing a crucial role in fostering innovation and improving healthcare delivery across the continent.
As the session concluded, the message was clear: Africa is not just a market for health tech innovation; it is a vibrant ecosystem ready to lead in adopting and adapting cutting-edge technologies. With the right partnerships and investments, the future of healthcare in Africa looks promising.
This roundtable reaffirmed that with knowledgeable African experts and stakeholders at the helm, supported by GSD Africa’s expertise, the continent is well on its way to overcoming its healthcare challenges and unlocking its full potential.
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