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Health data issues in Africa: time for digitization, standardization and harmonization

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  • Abdoelnaser Degoot

    (Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine)

  • Ismaël Koné

    (Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
    Université Virtuelle de Côte d’Ivoire)

  • Shakuntala Baichoo

    (University of Mauritius)

  • Mercy Ngungu

    (Human Sciences Research Council)

  • Nzisa Liku

    (Public Health and Digital Health Expert)

  • Judit Kumuthini

    (African Biobank and Longitudinal Epidemiological Ecosystem)

  • Joyce Nakatumba-Nabende

    (Makerere University)

  • Foutse Khomh

    (Polytechnique Montréal)

  • Bubacarr Bah

    (Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine)

Abstract

This commentary discusses health data challenges in Africa, focusing on digitization, standardization, and harmonization as key solutions. It highlights how addressing these foundational issues can enable AI and data science to transform healthcare systems across the continent.

Suggested Citation

  • Abdoelnaser Degoot & Ismaël Koné & Shakuntala Baichoo & Mercy Ngungu & Nzisa Liku & Judit Kumuthini & Joyce Nakatumba-Nabende & Foutse Khomh & Bubacarr Bah, 2025. "Health data issues in Africa: time for digitization, standardization and harmonization," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-4, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-61104-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61104-6
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