Abstract:
IoT and big data technologies are redefining a new era of information and
communication technology (ICT) applications and innovations in multiple industries
including in healthcare. To provide a policy framework that anchors the introduction
and integration of health information technologies, a majority of World Health
Organisation (WHO) member countries – both advanced and emerging economies -
have developed national eHealth strategies over the last decade. However, it is not
clear whether these policy frameworks take cognisance of a changing technology
landscape set to be dominated by IoT, big data and other fourth industrial revolution
technologies. This research examines the scope of key policy issues and the concept
of eHealth as interpreted in national eHealth strategies of five countries in sub-
Saharan Africa. To harness the potential of IoT and big data analytics in healthcare,
the results demonstrate the need to re-examine the applications that define how
eHealth is understood as well as a review of the strategic priorities in national
eHealth strategies.
