From paper to pixels: transforming healthcare in Africa one clinic at a time

In a world where access to reliable healthcare should be universal, significant barriers still prevent many remote communities in Africa from receiving the care they need.

Signalytic, a Canadian and Ugandan social enterprise that builds unique digital platforms is confronting these challenges head-on, and was recently recognised as one of the four 2024 Gavi Innovation for Uptake, Scale, and Equity in Immunisation (INFUSE) Pacesetters,

Signalytic, founded to digitise healthcare in underserved regions, is addressing the challenges faced by over 100,000 health facilities in Africa that struggle with unreliable internet access and insufficient power supply. The company’s flagship S+ platform is attempting to overcome these obstacles.

“Our platform is designed to meet the unique needs of remote health facilities,” explained Bryan Plummer, co-founder of Signalytic. “When the S+ platform is set up, it is solar-powered, ensuring a reliable energy source, which is critical in a region where nearly 60% of healthcare facilities lack dependable electricity. Even if it’s cloudy for a week, our systems can store enough energy to keep crucial equipment running.”

The S+ platform creates a closed Wi-Fi system, allowing medical facilities to connect devices such as tablets, printers, and medical equipment seamlessly, even in areas with poor internet connectivity.

The health data created is then locally stored on the database on the S+ Box, a first-of-its kind Distributed Ledger Technology, that stores the data and transmits it periodically, even when the faintest of cellular signals are available. This innovation is vital for enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring that healthcare workers have reliable access to necessary digital tools and patient records.

“When the S+ platform is set up, it is solar-powered, ensuring a reliable energy source, which is critical in a region where nearly 60% of healthcare facilities lack dependable electricity.”

– Bryan Plummer, co-founder of Signalytic

One clinic in Yumbe District, Uganda, recently began implementing the S+ platform. “Before Signalytic, we relied heavily on paper records and outdated systems,” said Abdul Angufi, the Facility In-Charge, Okuyo Health Center. “Now, I can access patient information instantly, which means faster diagnosis and treatment. It feels like we have stepped into the future of healthcare.” Signalytic’s commitment to creating a sustainable digital health ecosystem also includes employing local IT professionals to provide first-line support, reducing downtime and ensuring that facilities function smoothly. The platform’s architecture is robust, allowing for remote monitoring and software updates, which minimizes the need for on-site maintenance visits.

The S+ platform is also cost-effective, two to three times less expensive than conventional alternatives, making it a viable option for rural clinics with tight budgets. Donors can subsidise the upfront costs, while the facilities pay a manageable monthly fee for maintenance and data transmission.

“Signalytic’s innovative approach enables health facilities in even the most challenging environments to generate and securely share vital health information, strengthening our ability to deliver immunisation and other essential services,” says Bertrand Pedersen, Senior Manager, Private Sector Partnerships and Innovation at Gavi. “Through this technology, we are building more resilient, interconnected health systems that can respond more effectively to the needs of vulnerable populations worldwide.”

“We envision a future where digital health services are universally accessible,” said Plummer. “By overcoming traditional barriers, we are building resilient health systems that empower facilities to deliver exceptional care, regardless of location.”

By sharing data collected from these facilities with Gavi and other stakeholders, Signalytic hopes to illustrate the effectiveness of their solution in maintaining the integrity of the cold chain, ultimately aiding in more efficient and reliable vaccine distribution across the region.

Signalytic’s work is essential not just in improving healthcare delivery but also in addressing the fundamental inequities faced by remote communities in accessing medical care. As the company expands its reach into countries such as Uganda, Nigeria and Rwanda, the potential for a transformative impact on health systems across the continent grows.