Strengthening Health Science Communication in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Policy and Technology Perspective
Musa Touray1,2, Ousman Bajinka3, Lamarana Jallow4,5
1Department of Management Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China.
Health Communication
|January 31, 2026
Summary
Health communication in Sub-Saharan Africa faces barriers. SMS systems aid malaria control, while behavioral strategies support maternal care, but challenges like workforce shortages persist.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Communication
- Digital Health
Background:
- Health communication is vital in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) but faces systemic barriers.
- Disease prevention and healthcare equity are hindered by these challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate health communication interventions in SSA.
- To analyze behavioral strategies, mobile health (mHealth) innovations, and community engagement.
Main Methods:
- Evidence synthesis of communication interventions.
- Analysis of behavioral strategies, mHealth, and community engagement.
Main Results:
- SMS systems improve malaria management but show limited chronic disease efficacy.
- Behavioral interventions benefit maternal care and neglected tropical diseases.
- Youth platforms and intercultural training show promise but face stigma and infrastructure limits.
Conclusions:
- Policy opportunities include scaling mHealth, standardizing cultural competency, and integrating youth platforms.
- Successful models blend technological innovation with participatory design.
- Strengthening health systems requires investment in digital infrastructure and human-centered communication.
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