In a report by Disrupt Africa, the number of e-health startups has grown by 56.5% over the last 3 years with 180 startups currently in operation. The sector has also seen a boom in investment with e-health startups raising a reported US$90 million this year.
The figure raised in the first half of this year alone represents more than half of what was raised over the last five years. The co-founder of Disrupt Africa Gabriella Mulligan said:
“Interest in the e-health space in Africa has accelerated in the last 18 months, and with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a sudden spotlight on e-health startups. In many ways now is a great time for the continent’s health-tech sector – there’s huge opportunities to prove concepts, gain traction, and achieve lasting change in healthcare. We’re excited to present this timely research, highlighting the strengths of Africa’s e-health ecosystem”
It is encouraging that African e-health startups are getting financial backing. The coronavirus may have created this unique environment but this could also benefit other recurring health issues on the continent.
The challenges facing health service delivery in Africa may have to be looked at form a different angle. There are avenues that haven’t yet been explored that could do away with or add to conventional measures.
