| Title | Chapter 7: Addressing digital inequality in rural primary healthcare systems in sub-Saharan Africa |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.4102/aosis.2025.BK494.07 |
| Landing page | https://books.aosis.co.za/index.php/ob/catalog/book/494 |
| License | https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ |
| Copyright | Nobert R Jere, Gardner Mwansa, Memory Ranga, Attlee M Gamundani & Pardon B Maoneke (eds.) Licensee: AOSIS (Pty) Ltd. The moral right of the editors and authors has been asserted. |
| Publisher | AOSIS |
| Published on | 2025-04-11 |
| Long abstract | This chapter explores digital inequality within rural primary healthcare systems across sub-Saharan Africa. It examines disparities in access to digital healthcare technologies and their impact on healthcare outcomes while proposing strategies to mitigate digital inequality. The chapter addresses socio-economic, infrastructural and policy-related factors contributing to the digital divide in African healthcare through a comprehensive review of historical contexts, empirical studies and expert insights. Understanding the historical context is crucial for grasping the evolution of healthcare delivery models and policies, as it examines colonial legacies, political transitions, and economic fluctuations. These factors highlight their lasting impact on rural healthcare systems. The emergence of digital health technologies presents both promises and challenges in the pursuit of universal healthcare. The chapter’s objectives include analysing the consequences of digital inequality on health outcomes, such as delayed access to information, limited telemedicine services, and disparities in technology-enabled diagnoses. It also examines the economic implications, detailing how digital inequality perpetuates cycles of poverty and hinders overall economic development in rural areas. Looking towards the future, the chapter explores emerging technologies like artificial intelligence in diagnostics, emphasising long-term sustainability and lessons from technology adoption in developed nations. It encourages stakeholders to adopt strategies informed by technological advancements rooted in the region’s historical and cultural fabric. This approach ensures effective and sustainable interventions for equitable healthcare access in sub-Saharan Africa. |
| Print length | 16 pages |
| Language | English (Original) |
| THEMA |
|
| Keywords |
|
| Funding |
Olukayode Oki received an MSc and PhD in Computer Science from the University of Zululand, South Africa, in 2014 and 2019, respectively. Oki is a senior lecturer in the Department of Networking and IT Support at Walter Sisulu University, South Africa. He has authored more than 50 articles in local and international journals, as well as peer-reviewed conference proceedings and book chapters. His research interests include biologically inspired computation, information and communication technology for development (ICT4D), communication networks, the IoT, machine learning, data analytics and climate-smart agriculture. He has received several grants for research and development, as well as for attending conferences both locally and internationally. He is a South African NRF-rated researcher and a recipient of the 2022 Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Research Award. Additionally, he is an Honorary Rosalind Member of the London Journal Press. He served as one of the TPC chairs for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) AFRICON 2023 and has reviewed for many journals and conferences. He is also an editorial board member for the ParadigmPlus journal. Oki is a Microsoft Certified Professional, a Cisco Certified Network Associate and a member of the IEEE Region Eight Subsection.
Jose Lukose received his PhD degree from the University of Fort Hare, South Africa. Lukose is currently a senior lecturer and the head of the Department of Business and Application Development at Walter Sisulu University, South Africa. He has more than 25 years of experience in the higher education sector, occupying various positions such as Head of Department, Director of School, etc. His research interests include ICT in education and ICT for sustainable development. He has significantly contributed to the field of ICT through publications of peer-reviewed journal articles in reputed, accredited journals and presentations of scientific findings through local and international conferences. Service to the university and the broader community has been the core tenets of his professional identity. He has secured funding for various community outreach projects and coordinated their successful implementation, making significant contributions to the community. He is a professional member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA).