Written by Khalifah Al Zahran
Edited by Othaila Abuzaid
The current modern era not only shows significant developments in digital information, automotive, and education but also significant progress in the field of modern technology in the medical world. One of the tools widely used worldwide is MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), which has been developed since the early 1900s. This technology is used to produce images of the body's tissues and organs, facilitating doctors in assessing the condition of patients. Since it does not use radiation rays, it is considered safe for pregnant women or patients with certain health histories.
Despite the widespread use of MRI machines globally, only 32 out of 54 African countries have access to them. According to the South Sudan Medical Journal, MRI scans, X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, and nuclear medicine imaging are available only at one health facility, located in the Juba Medical Complex. With South Sudan's population of approximately 10 million, many people lack access to adequate healthcare facilities.
When will health technology become more prevalent in Africa?
The development of medical technology in Africa is hindered by economic inequality. Some countries, such as Equatorial Guinea, boast the largest variety of medical devices in Africa. The medical technology market in Equatorial Guinea is expected to reach US$17.92 million by 2024. The country has renovated hospitals and health centers and initiated the Equatoguinean Malaria Vaccine Initiative (EGMVI) since the year 2013.
The term 'Telehealth,' also known as 'Telemedicine,' has gained popularity in South Africa, Egypt, and other developing countries, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of health application services surged during this period, with over ten health service-based applications emerging. Among the most popular are Zipline, iWello, Rocket Health, and others. Telehealth has facilitated the government's pandemic control efforts by enabling remote consultations for infectious disease survivors, prescription updates, and more effective funding allocation.
Conversely, discussing health technology development in countries with low per capita income and high death rates due to poor-quality medical services presents challenges. According to the WHO report, Burundi has the highest death rate on the continent, primarily due to neonatal conditions, acute respiratory infections, malaria, and sexually transmitted diseases. Chronic malnutrition is prevalent, affecting 52% of children under five, as reported by the World Food Program.
Another country facing health challenges is South Sudan, which has experienced a humanitarian crisis and civil war, exacerbating economic conditions. The economic collapse has led to a lack of health facilities and disease research center funding. The South Sudan Doctor's Union reports a continual decrease in the health budget allocation, from 4.2% in 2022 to 2.1% in 2023-2024. Consequently, the country suffers from poor health indicators, including high maternal, infant, and child mortality rates and a low life expectancy of 56.5 years.
Looking ahead, advancements in health technology are promising. Despite inadequate health facility development in parts of Africa, innovations in medical equipment have reached unprecedented levels. One of the most significant advancements in the last decade is Telemedicine, a digital platform enabling remote consultations without physical contact. Accessible via smartphones, various Telemedicine applications simplify patient access to information, promoting healthier lifestyles.
Furthermore, future technological innovations include Artificial Intelligence (AI), enabling machines to perform human-like functions, and robotics for precise surgical operations. Multinational and technology companies have developed wearable devices, such as smart bracelets measuring heart rate, body condition, and sleep patterns. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in medical devices will likely aid in memory restoration for Alzheimer's and dementia patients and enhance surgical training through complex simulations.
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References:
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Global health estimates: Leading causes of death. (n.d.). https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/themes/mortality-and-global-health-estimates/ghe-leading-causes-of-death#:~:text=Ischaemic%20heart%20disease%20was%20the,over%20the%20last%20two%20decades. [Accessed 25 April 2024]
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