The Role of Technology in Health Communication

By Agarther Gichaga, Account Director, Tell-em PR

Health communication is a crucial aspect of public health, yet it is often perceived as complex, challenging and jargon-filled field that's hard to navigate. However, effective health communication is crucial for improving public health outcomes, promoting healthy behaviors, and ensuring that individuals can make informed decisions about their health.

With the advent of technology, however, the landscape of health communication has transformed significantly, making it more accessible and effective.

?Health communication is the practice of informing, influencing, and motivating individuals and communities about health-related issues. It encompasses a variety of methods and tools, including public service announcements, social media campaigns, patient education materials, and interpersonal communication between healthcare providers and patients.

Technology has revolutionized health communication in several ways, offering new avenues to reach and engage with audiences. Unlike in the past where audiences only depended on conventional streams for news and infotainment, technology has quite expanded the avenues to include digital platforms, mobile applications, social media, and telemedicine, to enhance public health outcomes

Over the years, we have witnessed the proliferation of Mobile Heath Applications. In Kenya, mobile phones are ubiquitous and according to GSMA Intelligence, data shows that there were over 64 million cellular mobile connections as of the start of 2024, this is equivalent to 118.7 percent of the total population in January 2024. Mobile health (mHealth) applications have leveraged this widespread mobile penetration to deliver health information and services directly to end users.

M-TIBA, for example, is a mobile health wallet that allows users to save, send, and spend funds specifically for healthcare. It also provides health information and reminders, ensuring that users stay informed about their health needs and follow through with treatments. By integrating financial services with health communication, M-TIBA addresses both the financial and informational barriers to healthcare.

Additionally, leveraging on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp are powerful tools for communication in the health ecosystem, especially in engaging younger populations. These platforms allow for the rapid dissemination of information, real-time interaction, and community building.

It is important to also note that Telemedicine and Telehealth have gained significant traction in Kenya, especially in remote and underserved areas, this allows and facilitates the last mile delivery. Telehealth bridges the gap between healthcare providers and patients, allowing for consultations, diagnoses, and follow-ups through digital platforms.

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Nairobi, MyDawa, an e-health platform that offers telemedicine services, enabling patients to consult with doctors online and order medications for home delivery was launched in Kenya. This platform was been particularly beneficial especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the need for physical visits to healthcare facilities thus minimizing the risk of virus transmission then.

In a similar breath, the adoption and implementation of Health Information Systems has quite supported the collection, storage, management, and transmition of information related to the health of individuals or activities of organizations. These systems are vital for data-driven decision-making and improving health outcomes. The Ministry of Health in Kenya continues adopt new and efficient systems and software platforms in an effort to collect and analyze health data across the country. These systems support the tracking of diseases, monitoring of health services, and allocation of resources, enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of health communication and management.

While technology offers numerous benefits for health communication, it also presents challenges. Issues such as digital literacy, internet access, and data privacy need to be addressed to maximize the potential of technology in health communication.

Technology has a transformative impact on health communication, making it more effective, accessible, and engaging. In Kenya, innovations like mHealth applications, social media campaigns, telehealth, and health information systems are bridging gaps and improving health outcomes. By embracing these technological advancements, we can demystify health communication and empower individuals with the information they need to make informed health decisions. As we move forward, addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities presented by technology will be crucial in enhancing health communication and ultimately improving public health.