Digital Healthcare Tools in Nigeria: Strengthening Public Health and Pandemic Preparedness - Insights from the COVID-19 Crisis

Abstract

This review explores the transformative impact of digital healthcare tools in Nigeria's healthcare system, with a particular emphasis on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Nigeria, a country grappling with healthcare disparities and limited access, has seen digital healthcare tools play a crucial role in enhancing public health and pandemic preparedness. The review begins by setting the stage for the relevance of digital healthcare tools in Nigeria, acknowledging the country's complex healthcare challenges. It outlines its objectives and research approach, ensuring transparency and precision in source selection, including Nigerian databases. The examination of digital healthcare tools in Nigeria highlights their potential to address healthcare access issues. The review also delves into the regulatory framework governing telemedicine in Nigeria, recognizing the need for a delicate balance between regulation and innovation, given the nation's unique infrastructure challenges. This provides insights into the factors influencing telemedicine adoption among both healthcare providers and patients in Nigeria. While acknowledging challenges like infrastructure limitations and regulatory complexities, the review also identifies opportunities, such as improved healthcare accessibility and cost-efficiency, brought about by digital healthcare tools in Nigeria. Concrete examples of successful digital healthcare initiatives within Nigeria are presented, offering actionable insights and a roadmap for future endeavors. The review concludes by emphasizing the essential role of digital healthcare tools in addressing Nigeria's healthcare challenges and providing tailored recommendations for policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers. Ultimately, this comprehensive exploration goes beyond current achievements and challenges, envisioning a future where digital healthcare tools revolutionize Nigeria's healthcare landscape, identifying promising research avenues, and anticipating innovations that can shape the nation's healthcare for the better.