Digital Health makes Inroads in Low and Middle Income Countries

According to a recent report, in Africa the wearable market is growing 66% per year. In 2016, it is anticipated that there will be a “42.5% increase in shipments of basic wearables in 2016 while the growth for smart wearables will be a more modest 16.7%.”  Smart devices are those which can run third party applications. Basic wearables are self-contained, are more affordable and therefore account for much of the current growth. The report also noted that new wearable products in the clothing, eyewear, earwear categories may boost growth in future years. 

Not only are wearables becoming more common but innovative solutions for community health clinics are contributing to improved access to care in Africa. Samsung Digital Village, in partnership with UNESCO, will serve the remote Maasai community in Tanzania. This program provides digital tools and also is powered by solar panels making it more sustainable.

Innovation in health IT is no stranger in Africa and other low and middle income countries. Creative solutions and funding are making new services and markets available to more of the population.