What is the current status of healthcare in Africa? What are the key challenges facing Africa’s healthcare systems? How is technology playing a significant role on the African continent? What will healthcare in Africa look like by 2030? To address these pressing questions and gain insight into the state of healthcare in Africa, MedEdge MEA conducted an exclusive interview with Dr. Mories Atoki, CEO of ABCHealth. This interview provides concise, expert answers and reveals lesser-known facts. Alongside Dr. Atoki’s insights, you’ll also find responses to questions about the disease burden and the most urgent health challenges facing Africa today.
MedEdge MEA: How would you describe the current state of healthcare across the African continent, and what are the key opportunities for improvement?
Dr. Mories Atoki: The current state of healthcare across Africa reflects both significant progress and persistent systemic gaps. While several countries have made strides in expanding access to essential health services, challenges remain in infrastructure, financing, workforce capacity, and data-driven decision-making. At the African Business Coalition for Health (ABCHealth), we recognize that no single entity can address these complexities in isolation. This is why our mission centers on mobilizing private sector capabilities and fostering public-private collaborations to strengthen health systems continent-wide. Key opportunities for improvement lie in investing in primary healthcare, leveraging digital health technologies for better access and efficiency, and localizing production of medical commodities to build resilience. There is also a strong imperative to align efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals and Africa’s Agenda 2063 by improving accountability, coordination, and innovation. ABCHealth remains committed to catalyzing partnerships that drive measurable impact, enhance the quality of life, and deliver a sustainable and equitable healthcare future for all Africans
ME: What unique challenges do African hospitals face, and how can partnerships like ABCHealth support their growth and sustainability?
Dr. Mories: African hospitals face a range of unique challenges, including limited infrastructure, inadequate medical equipment, shortages of skilled health professionals, and inconsistent access to essential medicines. These issues are compounded by fragmented funding mechanisms and insufficient integration of health data systems, which hinder effective planning and service delivery. Many facilities operate under strained public budgets, reducing their capacity to expand services or adopt innovative solutions. By mobilizing the resources, expertise, and innovation of the private sector, ABCHealth fosters cross-sector collaboration to improve hospital systems. We work to strengthen local manufacturing of medical commodities, invest in health workforce development, and promote the use of digital health technologies to enhance efficiency and patient care. Through strategic engagement with governments and stakeholders, ABCHealth enables hospitals to move toward sustainable models that are resilient, patient-centered, and aligned with broader national and continental health agendas
MedEdge MEA: About disease burden, what are the most pressing health challenges Africa is grappling with today?
Dr. Mories: Africa continues to struggle with a high disease burden driven by both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and emerging infectious diseases remain leading causes of mortality, while non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancer are rising rapidly due to lifestyle shifts and urbanization. Health systems are further strained by limited resources, weak infrastructure, and workforce shortages. At ABCHealth, we view these challenges as a call to action for stronger cross-sector collaboration, innovation, and investment to build resilient health systems capable of addressing both existing and emerging health threats across the continent
MedEdge MEA: How can technology and innovation play a role in transforming healthcare delivery in Africa, especially in underserved communities?
Dr. Mories: Technology and innovation are futuristic in bridging healthcare gaps across Africa, especially in underserved communities. Digital health tools such as telemedicine, mobile health platforms, and electronic health records can extend care to remote areas, improve diagnostics, and support continuity of care. Innovations in data systems enhance disease surveillance and informed policymaking. At ABCHealth, we advocate for scalable, locally relevant tech solutions that address infrastructure and access challenges while promoting affordability and efficiency. By fostering partnerships that leverage private sector innovation and public health priorities, we aim to drive inclusive transformation that ensures no community is left behind in Africa’s health journey
Technology and innovation are futuristic in bridging healthcare gaps across Africa, especially in underserved communities.
MedEdge MEA: What Will Healthcare in Africa Look Like by 2030?
Dr. Mories: By 2030, healthcare in Africa is on the cusp of becoming more integrated, resilient, and technology-driven, with improved access, quality, and equity at its core. We envision a continent where primary healthcare is strengthened, health infrastructure is digitized, and local manufacturing of medical commodities reduces dependency on imports. Through collaborative efforts like those championed by ABCHealth, public-private partnerships will play a critical role in financing, innovation, and capacity building. Data-driven decision-making, empowered health workforces, and community-centered care models will define the landscape. Africa’s health systems will be better positioned to respond to both endemic and emerging health challenges sustainably.
