OMMUNIQUÉ: UHC Day 2025 Conference on ‘Digital Health and Cost Reduction in Africa - Making Healthcare Affordable Using Technology’

 

Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA)

 

Date: 9th December 2025

 

COMMUNIQUÉ

UHC Day 2025 Conference on ‘Digital Health and Cost Reduction in Africa - Making Healthcare Affordable Using Technology’

 

 

PREAMBLE

 

Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) successfully organized a conference to commemorate Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day 2025, under the theme: “Digital Health and Cost Reduction: Making Healthcare Affordable Using Technology.” The event for which 115 stakeholders from various countries in Africa and Global South registered, was to explore innovative digital health solutions and strategies for reducing healthcare costs, while advancing universal health coverage.

 

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

 

I. Digital Health for Africa’s Future

The conference emphasized leveraging digital health interventions—including telemedicine, electronic health records, mobile health applications, and digital supply chain systems—to address Africa’s healthcare challenges such as population growth, economic constraints, and limited resources. Participants shared country experiences, discussed policy implications, and explored strategies for cost reduction and sustainable digital health integration.

 

II. Learning from India’s Digital Transformation

India’s experience with telemedicine, remote monitoring, and electronic health records demonstrated the potential of digital solutions to reduce healthcare costs, improve care coordination, and enable early interventions. Participants highlighted the importance of regulatory frameworks, equitable access, and inclusive policies to ensure no one is left behind in digital healthcare adoption.

 

III. Innovations in Telemedicine and Mobile Health

Successful models from Kenya and Zimbabwe illustrated the transformative potential of telehealth and mobile health applications in expanding access to healthcare, particularly in remote areas. Lessons included asynchronous telemedicine consultations, appointment reminders, mental health support, and electronic health record systems improving data sharing across healthcare facilities.

 

IV. Challenges and Opportunities

Participants identified key barriers to digital health adoption, including interoperability issues, infrastructure limitations, digital literacy gaps, and inadequate financing. Strategies to overcome these challenges included community health interventions, training programs, solar-powered clinics, and multi-sector collaboration.

 

CALL TO ACTION

 

AHOA calls on governments, development partners, the private sector, civil society, and all stakeholders to:

 

1. Adopt and scale digital health solutions across Africa to improve access, quality, and efficiency of healthcare services.

 

2. Strengthen multi-sector collaboration to share knowledge, resources, and technical expertise.

 

3. Develop policy and regulatory frameworks that support sustainable, equitable, and secure digital health adoption.

 

4. Invest in infrastructure and capacity building to overcome digital divides and enhance digital literacy among healthcare workers and communities.

 

5. Ensure sustainable financing through innovative models, public-private partnerships, and donor support.

 

6. Monitor, evaluate, and share knowledge to guide replication, scaling, and continuous improvement of digital health interventions.

 

CONCLUSION

 

The UHC Day 2025 conference reaffirmed the critical role of digital health in reducing healthcare costs and achieving universal health coverage in Africa. Stakeholders are urged to take decisive action to implement the discussed strategies, ensuring that healthcare becomes more accessible, affordable, and effective for all.

 

Issued by:

Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA)

Committed to advancing health equity and digital health solutions in Africa

 

Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje

CEO/PR to the UN Systems

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