By Derick Ngaira
On September 4–5, 2024, the African continent witnessed a significant milestone as stakeholders in emerging health technologies gathered in Lilongwe, Malawi, for the Regional Dialogue on Leveraging Emerging Technologies to Improve Healthcare Delivery Systems in Africa hosted by the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD). The event charted the way forward for harnessing these technologies to enhance healthcare services across the continent.
The event provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the integration of emerging technologies in healthcare, addressing a wide range of critical issues. This three-part blog series, delves into a range of critical issues discussed during the event, highlighting the regulatory landscape, sociocultural considerations, and the ethical standards that must be maintained. This first part of the series focuses on the regulatory landscape of emerging health technologies in Africa, exploring both the challenges and success stories highlighted at the event.
Regulatory landscape
The rapid advancement of health technologies presents Africa with unprecedented opportunities to enhance healthcare delivery, improve patient outcomes, and address long-standing challenges in the health sector. From telemedicine to AI-powered diagnostics, speaker after speaker, acknowledged that these innovations are poised to transform the continent's healthcare landscape. However, the success of these technologies, hinges on the development and implementation of robust regulatory frameworks that ensure safety, efficacy, and equitable access.
Regulations are critical in maintaining public trust in new health technologies. The regulatory environment for health technologies in Africa is diverse, with significant variation across countries. Some nations have made notable strides in establishing regulations that support the safe and effective use of emerging technologies, while others are still in the early stages of developing such frameworks.
Challenges in regulation
Many African countries lack the financial and human resources needed to develop and enforce comprehensive regulatory frameworks. This often leads to gaps in oversight as well as delays that hamper innovation.
The rapid pace of technological innovation requires developers and regulators to possess specialised knowledge in fields like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and digital health. However, there is a significant skills gap across the continent.
Emerging health technologies, particularly those that collect and analyse personal data, raise ethical and privacy issues. Regulations must address these concerns to protect patient rights and prevent misuse of data.
Country advancements
Despite the regulatory challenges, countries are putting in place frameworks to spur innovation in healthcare. In a panel discussion on “Emerging Technologies in Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health (MNCH)”, the use of emerging technologies in advancing healthcare in Ghana, especially through policies and regulations that support their integration was noted. Molecular diagnostics, for instance, play a significant role in detecting genetic anomalies, identifying drug resistance, and enabling early detection of diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV. The Public Health Act of 2012 (Act 851) provides a regulatory framework for public health interventions, including the use of emerging technologies for disease prevention and control.
Additionally, Ghana’s National Health Policy (2020) emphasises the adoption of digital health tools to enhance healthcare delivery. For instance, molecular diagnostics was instrumental in Ghana’s early detection of COVID-19, contributing to measures that curbed the spread of the virus. These regulations and policies are designed to enhance the use of emerging technologies in improving public health outcomes across the country.
During a panel discussion on “Application of Emerging Technologies in One Health,” Egypt was noted to have made advancements in policy regulations aimed at enhancing its One Health approach, which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Given the country's susceptibility to zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and environmental challenges, Egypt’s One Health policies are essential for safeguarding public health. One major step forward has been the National Strategic Plan for Combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). This plan addresses the misuse of antibiotics in both human and veterinary medicine. By promoting the responsible use of antimicrobial drugs, Egypt aims to curb the spread of AMR, a major public health threat that transcends species.
Recommendations
Regional cooperation can create a more unified regulatory environment across the continent, and help overcome current regulatory bodies. Furthermore, investing in training at the tertiary level can help bridge the skill gap in regulation. By addressing current challenges and fostering collaboration, Africa can lead the way in creating a regulatory environment that supports both innovation and public health.
Conclusion
The regulation of emerging health technologies in Africa is at a critical juncture. As the continent continues to embrace innovation, the establishment of robust regulatory frameworks will be essential in ensuring that these technologies contribute to improved healthcare outcomes for all.
The second part of the series will expound on the sociocultural considerations in the adoption of health technologies in Africa.