Impact Areas
Social Perspective
South Africa's fight against social inequalities, a legacy of apartheid, continues to create disparities in healthcare access, especially for vulnerable populations burdened by non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This project aims to bridge these health inequality gaps by connecting patients in underserved areas with experienced U.S. volunteer doctors through telemedicine. By improving access to specialized healthcare and focusing on NCDs, which account for a significant portion of deaths, this initiative addresses critical social issues.
By connecting patients in underserved areas of South Africa with experienced volunteer doctors from the U.S. through telemedicine, this initiative addresses several critical social issues. Firstly, it improves accessibility to specialized healthcare services for those who may otherwise face barriers due to geographic remoteness, economic constraints, or inadequate local healthcare infrastructure. Secondly, by focusing on NCDs, this project directly targets diseases that contribute significantly to the burden of illness in the country since non-communicable diseases accounted for 43% of total deaths in all ages and sexes in South Africa in 2012 while the probability of dying between the ages 30-70 years due to NCD was 27%.
Moreover, this project encourages collaboration and inclusivity by bridging international healthcare expertise with local needs and contexts in South Africa. This approach not only enhances the quality of care but also promotes shared learning and capacity-building among healthcare providers and communities. Ultimately, by reducing the burden of disease and improving health outcomes, this telemedicine initiative contributes to creating a more equitable society where all individuals, regardless of background or location, have access to essential healthcare services.