At the Global Digital Health Forum (GDHF), convened for the first time in Africa, leaders from Living Goods, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) and the private sector emphasized the critical role of digital health innovations in addressing the persistently high rates of under-five mortality across the continent.

During a side event titled “Partnering for Progress: Digital Solutions and the Future of Community Health in Africa,” Emilie Chambert, the incoming CEO of Living Goods, welcomed attendees with a heartfelt message. She emphasized Living Goods’ commitment to scaling impactful solutions through partnerships and innovation.

“At Living Goods, we believe leveraging technology and collaboration is the key to ensuring healthier futures for all. Together with our partners, we’re advancing the future of healthcare in Africa.”

Despite a significant 59% reduction in under-five mortality in East and Southern Africa since 1990, the region continues to face the world’s second-highest under-five mortality rate, with approximately 2,700 children dying daily as of 2022. Malaria remains a leading cause of these deaths, underscoring the urgent need for effective interventions.

Gift Kiti, Senior Analyst, Tech for Impact at CIFF, highlighted the importance of community health in advancing child health: “Investing in community health is pivotal for enhancing child health. Community Health Workers (CHWs) are essential in delivering life-saving care and information to underserved populations, ensuring that even the most marginalized have access to essential health services.”

Empowering CHWs with digital tools has proven effective in improving health outcomes. In Uganda, Living Goods’ approach led to a 27% reduction in under-five mortality for less than $2 per person annually. Similarly, a five-year digital health project in Busia County, Kenya, demonstrated that equipping CHWs with digital tools increased malaria testing coverage from 51% to 75% and improved same-day diagnosis and treatment from 9% to 59%, significantly reducing child disease and death rates in the community.

Kanishka Katara, Chief Digital Health Officer at Living Goods, called for collaborative efforts: “We urge governments, donors, and partners to invest in equitable, long-term digital health solutions that empower CHWs. By equipping them with digital tools, we can enhance healthcare access, reduce child mortality, and build resilient, sustainable health systems in remote and low-resource settings.”

Debra Marie Olumbo, a Community Health Promoter from Kenya, shared a moving account of how digital tools have transformed her work. Using a digital task bar, Debra tracked a new mother who had missed her postnatal checkup. Thanks to this timely intervention, both the mother and baby received the care they needed.

“I’ve seen firsthand how digital tools save lives,” Debra said. “But we need even more functionality, like synchronized systems, to ensure follow-ups are seamless.”

Access to quality healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa remains a significant challenge, especially in remote communities with limited infrastructure. A chorus of experts, including from Johnson & Johnson, shared exemplars of the crucial role CHWs play in bridging care gaps by delivering life-saving interventions directly to those in need.

Closing the forum, Emilie Chambert left attendees with a powerful reminder of what’s at stake:

“Community Health Workers are often the first and only link to healthcare for millions. By empowering them with digital tools and robust support systems, we can create a healthier future for all.”