Africa-Press – Botswana. The Honorable Assistant Minister of Health, Lawrence Ookeditse, has underscored the role of health informatics in closing healthcare gaps across Africa. He delivered the message during the official opening of the Pan African Health Informatics in Africa (HELINA) 2025 scientific conference in Gaborone.
The two-day conference runs under the theme, “Building sustainable and resilient client-centred health informatics systems for health equity in Africa.” The theme reflects the urgency of aligning technology with healthcare delivery to ensure fair and reliable access for all Africans.
Mr Ookeditse revealed Botswana’s plans to introduce a National Health Insurance Scheme. The scheme is designed to provide quality healthcare for every citizen and reduce inequalities in access. He stressed that digitalisation will be central to achieving this goal, making health informatics not just a tool but a necessity.
He called for partnerships with African countries, regional organisations, and pharmaceutical manufacturers. According to the Minister, collaboration offers a path to collective action that can strengthen health systems across the continent.
The HELINA 2025 agenda highlights critical topics, including data science, artificial intelligence, policy frameworks, financing, telemedicine, and ethical challenges. By addressing these areas, participants aim to share knowledge and best practices that will help shape digital health systems that are inclusive, resilient, and client focused.
Mr Ookeditse emphasised that achieving health equity requires more than infrastructure. It demands strategic use of digital tools to bridge socio-economic divides and deliver efficient healthcare services. He encouraged stakeholders to use the conference as a platform to align efforts and accelerate progress toward healthier African populations.
HELINA 2025 is expected to provide a roadmap for countries looking to leverage digital transformation in healthcare. The outcomes of the conference will likely influence national strategies, regional collaborations, and future investments in health informatics across Africa.
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