The Africa HealthTech Summit 2024 was a transformative event that highlighted the incredible potential of technology to reshape healthcare across the African continent. For Lifesten, participating in this summit was an opportunity to engage with like-minded innovators and share our vision of using technology to improve community health. The theme Innovating for Community Health: Unleashing the Power of AI truly resonated with us, as it aligns with our mission of driving accessible, preventative healthcare through tech-enabled solutions targeting NCDs.
This summit provided the perfect platform for discussions around how artificial intelligence (AI) and innovative technologies can be leveraged to address chronic health conditions in Africa. The seamless integration of tech and healthcare, alongside the creative solutions that were showcased, pushed the boundaries of what is possible in our sector, inspiring us to continue exploring new ways to empower individuals and communities in managing their health.
A Perfect Fit for Lifesten’s Mission
As a health-tech company committed to preventing and managing chronic conditions, Lifesten was honored to participate in the summit’s session titled “Harnessing Client-centered Technologies for Preventative Health and Management of Chronic Conditions.” In this session, the spotlight was on the role that AI-powered solutions can play in shifting healthcare models from reactive to proactive, ultimately reducing costs and overcoming challenges like healthcare worker shortages and infrastructure gaps.
Lifesten’s involvement began with a lightning talk by Peace Iraguha, our co-founder, who shared insights on our approach to cardiovascular health, self-care, and wellness. Through our app, Lifesten integrates AI to provide personalized health recommendations, lifestyle modification tips, and wellness challenges that empower users to take charge of their health before problems arise.
This aligns with the broader goals of the summit, where the conversation moved beyond just technological advancements and explored how these innovations are practically addressing the chronic health burdens in Africa. From hypertension and diabetes to mental health and HIV, the summit illuminated the urgent need for tech-driven solutions that meet patients where they are—through smartphones, wearable devices, and digital health platforms.
Lifesten as Part of the Africa CDC Marketplace Launch
On Day 1 of the Africa HealthTech Summit 2024, a significant milestone was reached with the official launch of the Africa CDC Marketplace, inaugurated by Dr. Jean Kaseya, the Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The marketplace is designed to create a collaborative platform for African health innovators, companies, and organizations to showcase and scale up solutions that address critical health challenges across the continent. The launch was a momentous occasion, emphasizing the importance of uniting the public and private sectors to build resilient health systems through innovative solutions. This platform will facilitate greater access to health technologies, encourage partnerships, and promote the exchange of knowledge, all aimed at improving healthcare delivery and outcomes for African communities. Lifesten is proud to be part of this exciting initiative, contributing to the growth of a tech-enabled health future for the continent.
Lifesten’s Role in Community Health Innovation
Our work at Lifesten is focused on addressing these pressing needs by developing client-centered solutions that prioritize prevention, early detection, and long-term disease management. With AI at the core of our platform, we are able to personalize the patient journey, offering tailored advice and health programs that evolve based on individual progress and needs. This personalized approach is essential for community health in Africa, where resources are often limited, and scalable solutions are needed to meet the demands of growing populations.
The summit also featured thought-provoking panel discussion, including a conversation that Peace Iraguha participated in that was moderated by Dr. Joanne Peter, Director of Innovation at Jhpiego. The panel explored how to scale such AI-driven solutions across Africa, overcoming challenges in healthcare delivery and ensuring accessibility for all, regardless of location or income.
Innovating the Future of Community Health
The Africa HealthTech Summit 2024 affirmed that the future of healthcare in Africa lies in innovation, collaboration, and the responsible use of AI. The summit emphasized the urgent need for decentralized, tech-enabled healthcare models that are centered around the needs and preferences of the patients themselves. For Lifesten, this aligns with our goal of expanding our solutions to tackle chronic conditions across multiple stages of the patient journey—from prevention to long-term care management.
We are excited to continue innovating and collaborating with other health-tech leaders to unleash the full potential of AI in transforming healthcare across Africa. This summit was a reminder that we are all part of a growing ecosystem that will continue to evolve and drive forward the health and well-being of millions across the continent. As Lifesten, we can not wait for Africa Healthtech Summit 2025.
Lifesten Health 