VillageReach, a non-profit organization committed to improving health outcomes in low-resource communities, has stated that it is leveraging pioneering digital solutions to advance a new public health order across Africa.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with DA NEWS Freddy Nkosi, the DRC Country Director, said the organization is paving the way for substantial healthcare transformation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi, Mozambique, and beyond.
He said VillageReach, known for its innovative approach to healthcare delivery, has been a vanguard in adopting and implementing digital solutions to overcome the healthcare challenges prevalent in remote and under-reached communities of Africa.
The organization’s expertise focuses on utilizing digital technologies to streamline health services and improve access to quality care for marginalized communities.
“Digital technology is a powerful tool that can transform healthcare delivery in Africa,” said Nkosi. “By leveraging the power of digital solutions, we aim to build a new public health order that prioritizes the needs of remote and underserved communities,” Nkosi said.
He said the initiative employs a multi-pronged strategy that includes the use of telemedicine, digital health records, mobile health solutions, and data analytics.
“It aims to improve data collection, patient monitoring, healthcare delivery, and overall health outcomes in a continent where many still struggle to access basic health services.”
“One of the flagship products VillageReach works on is a telemedicine service that connects patients in remote areas to accurate health information via hotlines and AI-enabled chatbots and also provides referrals to health centers.
“In some countries like Malawi, this service has already shown promise in reducing the gap between rural and urban health services, enabling patients to receive medical advice without having to travel long distances,” he said.
Another key aspect of the initiative is the implementation of digital health records.
“Health workers need a way to digitally record and track patient information, resulting in more accurate and efficient data management.
“This system will significantly improve the monitoring and treatment of diseases, particularly chronic ones that require long-term care and management,” he said.
Nkosi, a seasoned public health expert, has worked tirelessly to drive these initiatives forward.
“The future of healthcare in Africa lies in our ability to harness the power of digital technology,” he said. “With the right tools and strategies, we can bring about a new public health order that ensures nobody is left behind,” he said.
The work of VillageReach, under Nkosi’s leadership in the DRC, continues to highlight the transformative potential of digital health solutions in Africa. As the organization forges ahead with its ambitious agenda, there is a growing sense of optimism about the future of healthcare on the continent.
By Dare Akogun
