Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
KIGALI, RWANDA – On October 14th, 2025, Dr. Iziak Adekule Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare in Nigeria, delivered a compelling keynote address at the Africa Health Tech Summit, emphasizing the urgent need for digital health skilling across the continent. The summit, held at the Kigali Convention Centre, gathered leaders from government, academia, the private sector, and the development community, united by a common goal: to transform Africa's healthcare landscape through digital innovation.
In his address, Dr. Salako underscored that the pathway to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and building resilient health systems does not solely rely on advanced technology. "Technology alone cannot optimally and sustainably address the many challenges facing humanity, especially in the health sector," he stated. Instead, he highlighted the crucial role of well-trained health workers who can leverage these technological advancements.
Dr. Salako called digital health skilling not just a technical priority, but an economic and moral imperative. "The most sustainable investment in health transformation is not in devices or dashboards but in the people who will power them," he insisted, rallying attendees to champion the cause of empowering health workers across Africa.
A significant part of his speech focused on the need for collaborative investment in digital health learning infrastructure and continuous professional development. He urged that standardization and accreditation of digital health competencies be prioritized to enhance mutual recognition and mobility of skilled professionals across borders. "Collective action is essential to develop a truly integrated and people-driven digital health ecosystem," he said.
To illustrate Nigeria's commitment to this vision, Dr. Salako outlined the country’s initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda, spearheaded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He specifically mentioned the Nigeria Digital Health Initiative (NDHI), aimed at creating a secure and interoperable digital health ecosystem. “Our goal is to digitalize the health delivery system and ensure that every health worker, from remote primary health centers to advanced tertiary hospitals, is equipped to utilize digital tools effectively,” he noted.
He also highlighted the progress Nigeria has made: 76% of federal tertiary health institutions have various levels of digitization, with primary and secondary healthcare systems also being transformed through government support and private sector involvement.
A crucial point made by Dr. Salako pertained to the importance of improving digital literacy among the general population. "Governments and private organizations must collaborate to provide accessible resources and create awareness that ensures optimal adoption of digital health technologies."
As the session drew to a close, Dr. Salako emphasized the pressing need for a shared commitment among attendees to make digital literacy a fundamental competency for every health worker. "Together, we can make technology the heartbeat of a healthier, more connected Africa; one where every health worker is empowered, every patient is seen, and every community is served."
Dr. Salako's address strikes a chord as it calls for urgent action not only from health professionals but also from government leaders and private sector innovators to invest in human capital. As Africa embarks on its digital health journey, the fate of its healthcare systems increasingly rests on the capabilities of its workforce.
In a world where technology and health intersect, Dr. Salako’s message resonates: investing in people is crucial for a healthier future, and the time for action is now. The summit concluded with renewed energy and determination to pave the way for an empowered and digitally skilled healthcare workforce across Africa.
