For Universal Health Coverage to be achieved, proven digital health solutions must provide evidence of impact to maximize health outcomes.
Digital health solutions must benefit the most marginalized communities in order to bridge the gap for access to quality health services. For
Zambia, and much of sub-Saharan Africa, there is a major shortage of doctors. With over 16.5 million people, Zambia has less than 2,500
doctors - and whilst two thirds of doctors live in urban/metropolitan areas, over 60% of the population lives in rural Zambia. Rural health
centers face challenges in accessing speciality doctors for diagnostic and treatment advice, which Clinical Officers need for cases that are rare,
unusual, or need a general second opinion on their diagnosis and treatment approach. This means patients may not always access full diagnostic
services needed from their local health professional, which may negatively impact treatment and their subsequent recovery.
When referred from a Rural Health Centre, patients may also have to walk or cycle for many hours, to reach the nearest hospital. Time spent
away from their work or land may be financially ruinous and when they get to the hospital the doctor may not be able to help, so the whole
process may be disastrous for the patient.
Common ailments include:
Malaria
TB
HIV/AIDS
Maternity and child health complications
Infectious diseases
Dermatology
Emergency Injuries
Radiology