Viable Reimbursement and Financing Models for mHealth Interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Narrative Review
Author(s)
Gareth Obery, MSc1, Ryan Callahan2.
1Prova Health, London, United Kingdom, 2Prova Health, Granger, IN, USA.
1Prova Health, London, United Kingdom, 2Prova Health, Granger, IN, USA.
OBJECTIVES: Mobile health (mHealth) technologies can significantly improve healthcare outcomes and patient care in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, the long-term sustainability of these technologies is dependent on viable financing and reimbursement. This narrative review aims to map the current evidence on financing models for mHealth in SSA, identifying key trends, innovations, and the structural enablers and barriers that determine their viability.
METHODS: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. A targeted review of policy documents, government publications, and reports from global health organisations supplemented this. A thematic analysis was performed to categorise existing and emerging financing models, identify innovative approaches and elucidate key challenges and facilitators impacting the financial viability of mHealth interventions across the region.
RESULTS: The financing landscape for mHealth in SSA is complex. Donor funding remains prevalent; while crucial for innovation, it raises concerns regarding long-term sustainability. The public sector has made significant strides in integrating mHealth into national health strategies, as seen in Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa, but budget allocations remain limited. The private sector has demonstrated considerable innovation through service delivery platforms (MomConnect, South Africa) and health financing mechanisms (M-Tiba, Kenya). Emerging models show promise, including blended financing, social and development impact bonds, and impact investing. Key enablers for sustainable financing include increasing mobile penetration, strengthening stakeholder engagement, and aligning with national health priorities, such as universal health coverage (UHC). Conversely, significant barriers persist, including infrastructure limitations, health investment, and lack of tailored cost-effectiveness methodologies.
CONCLUSIONS: A shift towards sustainability is critical for the future of mHealth in SSA. This transition requires a more thorough demonstration of value, a framework for which we propose to include country-specific strategies where there are no set pathways for determining investment. We also note the importance of public-private collaborations and movement toward consistent regulatory frameworks.
METHODS: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. A targeted review of policy documents, government publications, and reports from global health organisations supplemented this. A thematic analysis was performed to categorise existing and emerging financing models, identify innovative approaches and elucidate key challenges and facilitators impacting the financial viability of mHealth interventions across the region.
RESULTS: The financing landscape for mHealth in SSA is complex. Donor funding remains prevalent; while crucial for innovation, it raises concerns regarding long-term sustainability. The public sector has made significant strides in integrating mHealth into national health strategies, as seen in Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa, but budget allocations remain limited. The private sector has demonstrated considerable innovation through service delivery platforms (MomConnect, South Africa) and health financing mechanisms (M-Tiba, Kenya). Emerging models show promise, including blended financing, social and development impact bonds, and impact investing. Key enablers for sustainable financing include increasing mobile penetration, strengthening stakeholder engagement, and aligning with national health priorities, such as universal health coverage (UHC). Conversely, significant barriers persist, including infrastructure limitations, health investment, and lack of tailored cost-effectiveness methodologies.
CONCLUSIONS: A shift towards sustainability is critical for the future of mHealth in SSA. This transition requires a more thorough demonstration of value, a framework for which we propose to include country-specific strategies where there are no set pathways for determining investment. We also note the importance of public-private collaborations and movement toward consistent regulatory frameworks.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
HTA356
Topic
Economic Evaluation, Health Policy & Regulatory, Health Technology Assessment
Topic Subcategory
Systems & Structure
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas