By Tuwilika Nafuka
The 2024 ICT Summit in Namibia showcased the transformative potential of technology across various sectors. However, the limited presence of Digital Health innovators and speakers highlighted an underexplored area ripe for development.
Despite this, there is growing evidence that Namibia could benefit from a well-structured digital health ecosystem. Like many African nations, Namibia is embracing technological transformation, as exemplified by experts like National Commission on Research, Science and Technology in Namibia (NCRST) CEO Anicia Peters, Ministry of Information Communication and Technology, Chief Information Officer Asteria Nangula Ndjendja, and the Director of the Office of the Prime Minister Johan van Wyk. They discussed the country’s digitalization journey, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the enactment of Data Protection and Cybercrime Bills.
In September 2023, the Deputy Minister of ICT, Modestus Amutse, stressed the need for digital health passports. This call aligns with Dr. Laizah Mutasa’s 2022 doctoral research on integrating eHealth with e-governance. Dr.NMutasa’s work offers a solution for managing fragmented healthcare data and improving service delivery. However given the Ministry of Health and Social Services’ ambitious Telehealth Strategy 2020-2025, has Namibia progressed in leveraging technology to improve healthcare access? Have the necessary infrastructure, human resources, and regulatory frameworks been established to support Telehealth?
The engagement with the only two Digital Health innovators at the summit prompted reflections on Dr. Gloria Ejehiohen Iyawa’s work, which underlines the importance of mobile health applications, Telemedicine, and Electronic Health Systems in enhancing patient care. Benjamin Akinmoyeje’s application Persuasive mHealth, stemming from Research at the Department of Informatics at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), extends beyond basic chat and video consultations.
The application’s standout feature is its integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), which can significantly improve diagnosis, and treatment, and contribute substantially to research. While still in the testing phase, Akinmoyeje’s innovation addresses the issue of fragmented health information by integrating unstructured data into Electronic Medical Records (EMRs). As an academic, Akinmoyeje’s work plays a pivotal role in driving research and fostering the adoption of innovative Digital Health technologies.
Another key innovation, Patient Care, developed by Jessé Liula Schiceya, a Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 entrepreneur, offers a hybrid Telehealth platform with integrated AI, patient portals, e-prescriptions, and medication delivery. The app is available on the Google Play Store and App Store, targeting medical professionals, patients, and healthcare facilities. This platform has the potential to complement Namibia’s existing Health Information Systems and provide comprehensive healthcare solutions.
The limited focus on digital health at the ICT Summit highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among technology innovators, healthcare providers, and policymakers. While Namibia has made progress in laying the groundwork, the journey toward a robust digital health landscape will require sustained investment in technology, human resources, and policy reforms.
The future of healthcare in Namibia is undoubtedly digital, and the contributions of researchers like Dr. Iyawa and innovators like Akinmoyeje demonstrate the innovative solutions that can revolutionize healthcare delivery. Now is the time to accelerate the transition to a Digital Health ecosystem that can meet Namibia’s healthcare needs.
*Tuwilika Nafuka is an innovative STEM medical professional, social justice advocate, and Digital Health Transformation champion, passionate about leveraging technology to revolutionize healthcare systems
