Global Digital Health Forum 2024 Opens in Nairobi
The forum, which coincides with Kenya’s efforts to integrate technology into its healthcare system, is a direct result of the Digital Health Act 2023.
Global Digital Health Forum 2024 opens in Nairobi, focusing on achieving Universal Health Coverage through technology. Photo/Ministry of Health.
Nairobi played host to the highly anticipated Global Digital Health Forum 2024, a landmark event that brought together international stakeholders, policymakers, and technology innovators to explore how digital solutions can revolutionize healthcare delivery and contribute to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) globally.
Opening the forum, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah M. Barasa, underscored the pivotal role of digital health in transforming Kenya’s healthcare system and its potential for broader global impact.
“The establishment of the Digital Health Agency and the development of a Comprehensive and Integrated Health Information System are enabling us to digitize health records, improve data sharing, and empower patients to take charge of their healthcare journey,” Dr. Barasa stated, emphasizing the progress made in Kenya’s digital health initiatives.
The forum, which coincides with Kenya’s efforts to integrate technology into its healthcare system, is a direct result of the Digital Health Act 2023.
This legislation has laid a robust foundation for incorporating digital tools into healthcare management, supporting the country’s UHC goals.
Dr. Barasa highlighted how digital health solutions are playing a transformative role in addressing healthcare challenges, improving access to services, and enhancing the quality of care.
A key focus of Dr. Barasa’s address was Kenya’s ongoing efforts to remove financial barriers to healthcare access.
She pointed to initiatives such as the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which aim to make healthcare affordable and accessible for all Kenyans, particularly the underserved.
“These initiatives are critical in ensuring that cost does not prevent anyone from receiving quality care,” she said.
However, Dr. Barasa acknowledged that significant challenges remain, particularly the digital divide and the need for enhanced infrastructure to support widespread digital health adoption.
“While we have made substantial strides, there is still much work to be done. We must work together—governments, donors, and technology partners—to address these gaps and ensure that digital health solutions are equitably accessible to all,” she emphasized.
The forum also spotlighted the African Digital Health Initiative, an ambitious project aimed at using technology to transform healthcare systems across the continent.
Dr. Barasa called for stakeholders to prioritize sustainability and equity as digital health solutions are scaled up, ensuring that no one is left behind in the drive to improve health outcomes.
As the Global Digital Health Forum 2024 continues, it sets the stage for collaborative efforts that will shape the future of digital healthcare and accelerate the achievement of UHC goals both in Kenya and across the world.
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