The changing practice of health communication through digitalisation across sub‑Saharan Africa

Access to the Internet has significantly altered the practice of healthcare communication. Through the Internet-enabled Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) digital technologies have seen the growth of media convergence for disseminating and accessing health communication.

Access to the Internet has significantly altered the practice of healthcare communication. Through the Internet-enabled Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) digital technologies have seen the growth of media convergence for disseminating and accessing health communication. Digital communication technologies have also enabled the building of support communities online intending to destigmatise previously taboo health issues, and quick responses during pandemics such as the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. There has been a convergence of online communication of various health practices, from Western and traditional to alternative medicines. While the digitalisation of healthcare and health communication has increased access for ordinary, mostly young citizens, sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)’s Internet penetration rate is lower than the global average, with those most desperately in need of healthcare often excluded as a consequence of the digital divide (GSMA, 2023). This chapter highlights the many opportunities for digital health and communication. It uses a case study to demonstrate such opportunities and discusses the digital health and communication risks that arise from misinformation and infodemics.