Africa CDC urges 5G investment in healthcare sector

Africa CDC issued a call to action, urging investors and stakeholders within the 5G sector to embark on strategic investments in healthcare-related 5G infrastructure. This plea was voiced by Jean-Philbert Nsengimana, the Chief Digital Advisor of the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), during the 5G Summit held within Mobile World Congress (MWC Kigali) on Wednesday, October 18. ALSO READ: 5G set to drive socioeconomic growth in Africa Nsengimana emphasised the untapped potential of 5G technology in revolutionising healthcare and medical services across the continent. He cited President Paul Kagame's recent inauguration of a cutting-edge research and training centre in Rwanda that employs minimally invasive surgery and telemedicine, enabling doctors from international locations to perform procedures on patients in Rwanda. ALSO READ: Kagame inaugurates surgical research, training centre IRCAD Africa “These real-world applications underscore the possibilities that exist within the healthcare sector for harnessing the capabilities of 5G technology,” he said. Nsengimana also highlighted the collaborative efforts between Africa CDC and the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA), a mobile industry association. This partnership seeks to promote the healthcare sector as a vital vertical for the 5G industry and to create compelling use cases that justify investments in healthcare-related 5G infrastructure. ALSO READ: Rwanda set to pilot 5G internet He emphasised that while the healthcare sector understands the unique challenges and opportunities it presents, it requires cooperation with telecommunications and technology experts to bridge the gap between healthcare needs and technological solutions. Nsengimana encouraged both sectors to work together to identify practical use cases and business opportunities that can lead to advancements in healthcare services. “Africa CDC and the African Union have entered into a three-year agreement to jointly host the MWC Kigali Summit, illustrating our commitment to promoting the convergence of technology and healthcare,” he said. Nsengimana expressed his optimism that, over this period, any remaining doubts about healthcare's potential as a strong vertical for the telecom industry would be dispelled, and tangible progress would be made in leveraging 5G for the betterment of healthcare in Africa. ALSO READ: Kagame, Africa CDC boss discuss digital health Lastly, I extend an invitation to the telecommunications industry to actively participate in our gatherings. While the Mobile World Congress is widely recognised as the foremost technology sector event, we, as representatives of the health sector, also host our own conferences. Next month, in Zambia, the 'Conference on Public Health in Africa' will take place, where I personally lead discussions on digitalisation,” he said. “We welcome our partners from the telecommunications and technology sectors to join us, enabling us to sustain meaningful dialogues and conversations. This collaboration will be instrumental in shaping solutions that address our unique challenges and unlock promising opportunities, Nsengimana said. He also underscored the potential of 5G to generate prosperity, wealth, and revenues, with a significant portion benefitting Africa's young population. The focus remains on ensuring that 5G's benefits are widely accessible and contribute to innovation and economic growth that positively impacts the common African citizen.

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Africa CDC urges 5G investment in healthcare sector