The digital revolution is rapidly transforming healthcare across Africa. As the demand for skilled professionals in digital health and health informatics grows, universities and institutions across the continent are stepping up, offering a variety of degree programs and certifications to build critical capacity. Whether you’re aiming for a comprehensive Master’s degree or a focused professional certification, here’s a look at some of the key opportunities available.
Degree Programs
A Master’s degree in health informatics provides a strong foundation in managing, analysing, and using health data to improve healthcare delivery. It combines principles from information science, computer science, and public health.
- University of Gondar, Ethiopia
University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- University of the Western Cape, South Africa
Postgraduate Diploma & Master in eHealth.
- Multinational Higher School of Telecommunications (ESMT), Senegal
Master’s degree in Health Information Technology (MTIS)
- Njala University, Sierra Leone
MPH in Health Knowledge and Informatics.
- Strathmore University, Kenya
MSc. in informatics and Computing Science (a conversion course for non-IT graduates).
- Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia
- University of Nairobi, Kenya
Masters in Applied Computing (Health Informatics track).
Short Courses & Certifications
For those looking for a more flexible or specialised path, short courses and certifications offer focused training in specific areas of digital health.
- DPASSA College, South Africa
An online “Digital Health & Telemedicine” short course (3 months) covering EHRs, AI, IoT in healthcare, cybersecurity, and ethics. http://www.dpassacollege.co.za/
- Empower School of Health
An online, 2-month Certificate in Policy & Governance in Digital Health (self-paced), focusing on governance frameworks, interoperability, and policy issues. https://www.empowerschoolofhealth.org/course/info.php?id=51
- ACE-DS, University of Rwanda
DASCA-based Data Science Certifications.
- UZKN (WASHA Takwimu), South Africa
A workshop series on harnessing data science for global health priorities. https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/data-science-africa/
These programs and courses are crucial for developing vital skills in health informatics, digital health governance, telemedicine, data science, and eHealth. They empower professionals to drive healthcare innovation and address the continent’s most pressing health challenges.
