Digital Public Infrastructure as the Backbone of Digital Health Services

By Treezer Michelle Atieno

In episode 148, we discussed the potential of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in healthcare with Sabine Mensah, the Deputy CEO of the AfricaNenda Foundation. Here are some of the advantages of DPI as picked from that conversation.

Africa’s healthcare systems are advancing with the integration of digital health services. These services are addressing long-standing challenges in access, efficiency, and quality.?

Central to this transformation is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), a foundational system that supports the development of digital tools for healthcare. DPI has enabled healthcare providers to innovate, particularly in underserved areas where traditional infrastructure has been lacking.

Digital health services encompass a range of technological solutions that improve healthcare delivery. From remote consultations and electronic health records (EHRs) to mobile health applications, these tools have allowed healthcare to reach previously inaccessible areas.?

Africa, which faces geographic and infrastructural barriers, has especially benefited from these innovations. Regions with limited resources and infrastructure are now able to offer healthcare through digital solutions, bridging gaps that would have been insurmountable with traditional methods.

DPI supports the infrastructure needed to deliver these services. It provides the digital “rails” upon which healthcare innovations can be built, making healthcare delivery more inclusive and efficient.

The role of DPI is to enable a systematic approach to healthcare, where services are provided seamlessly across sectors. Here are some ways DPI supports healthcare in Africa:

One of the most notable contributions of DPI is the expansion of connectivity. In many rural areas, patients are often forced to travel long distances to access healthcare services. Telemedicine,which allows patients to consult doctors remotely, has been a game-changer. By improving mobile internet coverage, DPI ensures that telemedicine can flourish, allowing patients in remote areas to access medical care without the need for physical travel.?

DPI also helps in the deployment of electronic health record (EHR) systems, which are crucial for efficient healthcare delivery. These systems provide secure, accurate, and easily accessible patient data, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring better coordination among healthcare providers.?

The growth of mobile health applications is another area where DPI’s impact is significant. These apps allow individuals to monitor their health, access medical information, and receive reminders for medication adherence, particularly in managing chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.?

Another aspect of DPI’s contribution to healthcare is its support for virtual consultations. Telemedicine platforms allow patients to engage with healthcare providers via video calls or messaging, reducing the burden on overcrowded healthcare facilities. For individuals in areas without nearby hospitals, this technology has been essential in providing timely and continuous care, particularly for follow-up appointments and managing long-term conditions.

DPI facilitates the collection and analysis of health data on a large scale, which is essential for public health monitoring. By leveraging big data analytics, health authorities can track disease outbreaks, monitor health trends, and allocate resources more effectively. This data-driven approach enables better responses to health emergencies and informs strategic health planning at national and regional levels.

As African nations continue to invest in DPI, the healthcare sector will continue to see improvements, especially for vulnerable populations. The expansion of digital infrastructure will allow more regions to benefit from the transformative power of digital health services. With ongoing innovations, the continent is on a path to achieving better health outcomes and greater healthcare inclusivity.