Salient Advisory’s Uwase on how to accelerate the impact of East Africa’s health-tech innovators

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the health sector in East Africa has been facing numerous challenges in scaling up effective health innovations to reach vulnerable populations. With a focus on reshaping investment ecosystems and catalyzing partnerships, the need to understand barriers to implementation and uptake has become crucial. Malyse Uwase, East Africa Senior Consultant at Salient Advisory, shared insights on how to accelerate the impact of health-tech innovators in the region. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Uwase highlighted some key points regarding the current state of the health sector in East Africa. One significant observation was the reduction in the number of patients seeking health services. A report by the World Health Organization indicated a 50% decrease in patient admissions and consultations compared to 2019 data, particularly during the months of May, June, and July. This decline has had a considerable impact on both patients and healthcare providers, emphasizing the need to find solutions to increase access to healthcare services. Uwase also shed light on the increase in tech adoption within the health sector, specifically in health product distribution and supply chain management. The research conducted by Salient Advisory revealed a substantial rise in the number of companies providing solutions in this area, with a significant increase from 28 companies in 2018 to 61 companies in 2021. The adoption of technology is not limited to urban areas, as 49% of the companies are now operating in both urban and rural regions. However, despite the progress in tech adoption, there are still gaps that need to be addressed, especially in terms of financing and regulatory frameworks. Companies in the sector are receiving funding from both commercial investors and philanthropic sources, but financing remains limited, particularly for African founders without ties to high-income countries. The lack of clear regulations, especially regarding e-pharmacy and medicine distribution, poses a significant barrier for companies seeking to expand their services across multiple regions. Looking ahead, Uwase pointed out the emerging trend of telemedicine companies that are on the rise. These companies are not only providing consultations but also enabling patients to order prescribed medication, thereby bridging the gap between healthcare providers and consumers. With the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic, telemedicine services have become increasingly valuable, offering convenient and accessible healthcare solutions. In conclusion, the journey to accelerate the impact of East Africa's health-tech innovators requires a collaborative effort to address funding gaps, improve regulatory frameworks, and embrace innovative solutions such as telemedicine. By overcoming these challenges, the region can enhance its healthcare ecosystem and ensure better access to quality healthcare for all.