Improving access to maternal care in Africa through telemedicine and digital health
Wajeeha Bilal, Parvathy Mohanan, Zainab Syyeda Rahmat, Shazil Ahmed Gangat, Zarmina Islam, Mohammad Yasir Essar, Abdullah Tunde Aborode, Helen Onyeaka
Abstract
Access to maternal health care is limited for women in Africa, while it remains a crucial determinant of maternal mortality and morbidity. The utilization of telemedicine and digital health can help remove barriers to access through economical and geographical convenience. In addition, feasible frameworks operating on themes such as technology, user acceptance, short-term and long-term funding, organizational factors, and political and legislative aspects can help overcome implementation challenges that persist in Africa and permit maximal utilization of telehealth to enhance maternal outcomes.