African Healthtech Insights: 11th December - 17th December

1. Ghana's "Lightwave" system creates paperless hospitals, reducing wait times and digitizing patient records.

Ghana is undergoing a massive healthcare transformation with the rollout of the "Lightwave" Health Information Management System (LHIMS). This digital platform is replacing the chaotic, paper-based folders of the past with a streamlined, fully electronic system. In participating hospitals, patient records are now digital, meaning doctors can access a patient's full medical history instantly with a few clicks. This eliminates the frustration of lost folders and significantly speeds up the consultation process.

The impact on efficiency has been dramatic. Patients no longer spend hours waiting for physical files to be retrieved, reducing overall wait times in outpatient departments. Beyond convenience, the system improves patient safety by ensuring that critical information—like allergies and past prescriptions—is always available to the treating physician. This shift towards "paperless hospitals" marks a major step forward for Ghana’s public health infrastructure, making care faster, safer, and more data-driven.

Read the original article at: https://citinewsroom.com/2025/02/how-ghanas-lightwave-health-information-management-system-is-transforming-healthcare-delivery/

2. WHO and the African Union renew partnership to strengthen health systems and drive the "New Public Health Order".

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the African Union (AU) have officially renewed their strategic partnership, aiming to reshape the future of healthcare across the continent. This agreement focuses on realizing the "New Public Health Order," a vision that prioritizes African-led health solutions and self-reliance. The collaboration will target key areas such as strengthening national health systems, improving disease surveillance, and expanding local manufacturing of vaccines and medicines.

A major goal of this renewed alliance is to ensure that African nations are better prepared for future pandemics. By pooling resources and expertise, the two organizations aim to build resilient health infrastructures that can withstand crises. The partnership also emphasizes the importance of a skilled health workforce and universal health coverage, ensuring that quality care reaches even the most remote populations. This united front represents a powerful commitment to health sovereignty and long-term stability for the region.

Read the original article at: https://www.who.int/news/item/24-05-2025-world-health-organization-and-african-union-renew-strategic-partnership-to-drive-impact-and-strengthen-health-systems-in-africa

3. Kenya accelerates digital health with widespread adoption of telemedicine and Electronic Health Records.

Kenya is rapidly positioning itself as a leader in digital health innovation, driven by a surge in the adoption of telemedicine and Electronic Health Records (EHRs). A new industry report highlights how the country is moving away from traditional, manual processes toward a connected, tech-driven healthcare ecosystem. Telemedicine platforms have become increasingly popular, allowing patients in remote areas to consult with specialists in Nairobi without the need for expensive and time-consuming travel.

Simultaneously, the widespread rollout of EHRs is standardizing how patient data is stored and shared. This "digital backbone" allows for better coordination of care between different clinics and hospitals. The government and private sector are working together to support this transition, recognizing that digital tools are essential for achieving universal health coverage. By leveraging technology, Kenya is not only improving access to care but also enhancing the quality and efficiency of medical services for millions of citizens.

Read the original article at: https://techtrendske.co.ke/2025/05/22/embracing-digital-healthcare-in-kenya/

4. A Nigerian firm manufactures rapid diagnostic tests locally through the WHO tech transfer.

In a landmark achievement for local manufacturing, a Nigerian health technology company, Codix Bio, has been selected to produce rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) domestically. This initiative is part of a technology transfer program led by the WHO and the Medicines Patent Pool. The agreement allows the Nigerian firm to manufacture high-quality tests for diseases like HIV, malaria, and syphilis using world-class technology that was previously only available from foreign suppliers.

This is a significant step toward health independence for Nigeria and the broader African continent. By producing these essential diagnostic tools locally, the country can reduce its reliance on expensive imports and ensure a steady supply during health emergencies. The project aims to make life-saving diagnostics more affordable and accessible to low-income populations. It serves as a model for how international partnerships can empower local industries to solve regional health challenges from within.

Read the original article at: https://www.who.int/news/item/09-05-2025-who-and-medicines-patent-pool-announce-sublicensing-agreement-for-rapid-diagnostic-test-technology

5. A study finds that infrastructure gaps remain a key hurdle for mobile health success in rural Ethiopia.

Mobile health (mHealth) apps have the potential to revolutionize care in rural Ethiopia, but a new study reveals that basic infrastructure challenges are holding them back. Researchers examining the rollout of a COVID-19 mHealth system found that while the technology itself worked well, its success was limited by poor internet connectivity and unreliable electricity in rural areas. The study highlights a "digital divide" where urban centers benefit from these tools, while remote communities struggle to log on.

The findings suggest that for digital health to truly succeed in Ethiopia, it must be paired with physical infrastructure improvements. Simply building an app isn't enough if the patients can't charge their phones or get a signal. The researchers argue that future health projects must include budget and planning for network access and digital literacy training. Addressing these foundational "roadblocks" is essential to ensuring that the promise of mobile health reaches the vulnerable rural populations who need it most.

Read the original article at: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/digital-health/articles/10.3389/fdgth.2025.1543828/abstract


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