By Khumbo Kaliwo:
Malawi is hosting over 16 health scientists from across the African continent in a regional dialogue on leveraging emerging technologies to improve healthcare delivery systems in Africa.
The two-day regional dialogue aims at exploring ways of embracing emerging technologies to improve healthcare delivery in Africa.
The scientists say they also want to accommodate Generation Z members.
Chairperson for the African Union Panel, Professor Yaye Gassama, called upon African countries to invest and develop policies that promote digitalisation in healthcare across the continent.
“By investing in digital health technologies and developing supportive policies, countries can enhance their healthcare systems and provide better services to their citizens,” Gassama said
She added that the continent should think of ways of accommodating Generation Z.
“We need to invest in Gen Z and make good policies in shaping the future of healthcare technology,” Gassama said.
Agreeing with Gassama, Secretary for Health Samson Mndolo said digital health is the way to go, as the world is embracing the use of artificial intelligence.
Mndolo added that the African continent is the only region in the world that sends patients abroad for care because of a lack of simple Innovations.
“It’s time to break down the barriers that have hindered data sharing for decades,” Mndolo said
On his part, African Institute for Development Policy Executive Director Eliya Zulu said technology of healthcare was the only hope for the African continent.
“We have to adopt technologies that are proving to be effective and are of an African context to benefit the African population,” Zulu said.
The two-day dialogue ends Thursday.
