What is the evidence base for digital health interventions in sub-Saharan Africa?

The evidence base for digital health in sub-Saharan Africa is growing but remains limited in quality. Systematic reviews (including the Cochrane reviews on mHealth) show promising results for SMS reminders for medication adherence, appointment reminders, and health promotion. However, most studies are small, short-term, and conducted in relatively well-resourced settings. Evidence from fragile states like South Sudan is particularly scarce.

Key gaps in the evidence base include: long-term sustainability of digital health interventions; cost-effectiveness analyses; evidence from conflict-affected settings; and studies on the unintended consequences of digital health (such as increased workload for health workers). These gaps represent important research opportunities for South Sudan health informatics researchers.