AUDA-NEPAD, in partnership with the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), is pleased to announce the Regional Dialogue on Leveraging Emerging Technologies to Improve Healthcare Delivery Systems in Africa, to be held on November 11-12, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya. This event will convene a diverse group of stakeholders from across Africa, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, technology experts, and development partners, to explore how emerging technologies can transform the healthcare landscape on the continent.
This dialogue seeks to deepen understanding among Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and other stakeholders of how different emerging technologies can play a critical role in improving health outcomes across Africa. Participants will also discuss the necessary actions governments and other key actors must take to create an enabling environment for the adoption and successful implementation of these technologies. The outcomes of this dialogue will inform AUDA-NEPAD's ongoing work and the African Union’s efforts to address critical health challenges through technology.
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), blockchain, drones, genomic medicine, and genetic-based vector control tools have the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery in Africa. As the African Union (AU) continues to prioritize the adoption of these technologies, the dialogue aims to align these innovations with Africa's health priorities, driving inclusive growth, resilience in health systems, and sustainable development.
"The RECs play a pivotal role in shaping the healthcare landscape across Africa. Their active participation in dialogues like this is essential to ensuring that emerging technologies are not only adopted but effectively integrated into national and regional healthcare systems. Together with our partners at AFIDEP, AUDA-NEPAD is committed to fostering collaboration among stakeholders to create an enabling environment for these innovations, driving progress in health outcomes and aligning with Africa's long-term development goals," said Msingathi Sipuka, Chief of Staff at AUDA-NEPAD.
The regional dialogue is part of a broader effort to build evidence and advocate for policy reforms on the use of emerging technologies in healthcare. Key topics will include exploring how AI and other digital platforms can improve diagnostic accuracy, support early disease detection, and provide personalized treatment plans, especially in underserved areas. Additionally, the dialogue will focus on how these technologies can complement biologically-based innovations, such as genomic medicine and genetic vector control, to address health challenges in Africa.
“At AFIDEP, we recognise that for African countries to attain Agenda 2063 development aspirations and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we need to generate and consistently use robust evidence to inform decision-making at all levels. The RECs can play a critical role in promoting socio-economic development across countries, including shaping the equitable use of emerging technologies to improve health outcomes. AFIDEP’s partnership with AUDA-NEPAD and the RECs, demonstrates the continent’s proactiveness in owning and driving the development agenda through cross-regional learning,” said Dr Eliya Zulu, Executive Director of AFIDEP.
AFIDEP and AUDA-NEPAD’s collaboration is also focused on strengthening healthcare systems by promoting research, knowledge exchange, and policy advocacy to facilitate the scaling of these technologies across the continent. The Nairobi meeting is expected to generate actionable insights, foster cross-sectoral partnerships, and reinforce Africa’s commitment to leveraging emerging technologies to drive better health outcomes.