Health
Top Five HealthTech Trends to Transform 2020
The definition of healthcare has long been restricted to providing for people after their sickness has been diagnosed. Of late, however, the focus has slowly been shifting towards prevention.
“It’s time to move from reactive sick-care to proactive healthcare by default.” Koen Kas, Healthcare Futurist.
This change in attitude has largely been fostered by technological advancements. Thanks to technology, healthcare experts now have access to previously unavailable data. This makes it possible to monitor patients remotely, fill patient charts faster and optimize diagnosis and treatment time-frames.
The HealthTech industry has grown very rapidly since 2015, and the number of venture-back HealthTech financings has grown by 25 percent.
Healthtech in 2020: What’s Awaiting You
Technology can do exciting things for healthcare especially through Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR).
In the coming year, here are the top five trends in HealthTech to look forward to!
1. The Evolution of Immersive Learning
Extended reality is no longer restricted to making video games and CGI for movies. Over the last twenty years, it has evolved vastly and helped develop learning and workplace training.
“Education has found a new dimension with AR/VR technology in the 21st century.”
In the healthcare industry, immersive tools help naïve as well as experienced healthcare practitioners improve their skills without any risk. Learning anatomy is simplified and doctors can perfect difficult procedures in a safe space.
“In 2020, the revenue for VR/AR for education is geared to increase to $300 million, rising to $700 million over the next five years,” suggest reports from Goldman Sachs.
2. Artificial Intelligence That Enables Effective Diagnosis, Process, and Security
Often, there is a big lag in disease diagnosis. Artificial intelligence has reduced this manifold through deep learning and image detection. This will allow doctors to spend time treating patients rather than handle automatable tasks.
”Over the last decade, AI has become more accurate in its diagnosis, being nearly as perfect as healthcare professionals.”
The healthcare industry deals with big data regularly. Processing this manually is difficult and time-consuming. When AI is used, large chunks of data are analyzed rapidly, speeding up processes.
AI can also help win over patients’ trust by improving data security. Many patients are reluctant to give information because they don’t know who can access it. AI can be used to increase data protection through firewalls, authentication, encryption and the prediction of unusual behavior.
3. Telehealth: Connecting Care Providers Anytime and Anywhere
One of the challenges of healthcare is geographical accessibility. Urban residents can access healthcare easily, but people in rural and remote locations cannot.
“The hurdle of healthcare accessibility is overcome with remote monitoring and telehealth, and catapulted further with the introduction of 5G.”
Telehealth and home monitoring make it possible for healthcare practitioners to provide their services without having to meet the patient in person. Although not a holistic response, it can allow doctors to make recommendations and even submit prescription requests. As virtual care continues to expand, many medical professionals are exploring telehealth provider opportunities to reach more patients, enjoy greater flexibility, and help improve access to healthcare in underserved communities.
Augmenting this with AR and VR can bring the doctor’s room to patients’ homes. Thus, they can experience the comfort associated with being in the same physical space as their doctor without leaving their home.
The technological barriers here have been slow network speeds and demanding imaging tools. These congest the network and create a lag in communication that can potentially hurt outcomes.
“5G will hasten image transfer, reduce lag in video appointments, increase the reliability of real-time monitoring and provide rapid access to AI tools.”
With this, as 5G rolls out worldwide, it will make healthcare practitioners more accessible. Patients can look forward to faster diagnosis and treatment, while doctors can optimize their time and prepare for the patient even before arrival.
4. The Significance of Virtual Reality in Healthcare
Virtual reality has applications beyond education in healthcare. The imaging capacities of VR have been used innovatively in medical science.
Some patients cannot be sedated or anesthetized because of their age or health condition. For such patients, more and more hospitals are employing VR headsets. The headsets are fitted with immersive reality, which distracts patients from the pain.
“VR reduces anxiety for patients undergoing complex procedures, and makes the experience less frightening.”
In the coming year, we will see VR expanding to help patients deal with different physical and psychological pain.
Burn patients are very likely to benefit from VR, as their pain cannot be mitigated easily medically. Using immersive reality games such as SnowWorld can help distract them, leading to a 50% reduction in their perception of pain.
Patients of PTSD and phobias often find it difficult to cope with situations in daily life. VR helps with exposure therapy to these triggering stimuli, which hastens the recovery process. Slow exposure has also been found to minimize phobia.
5. Genomic Advancements That Help Comprehend Genetic Intricacies Swiftly & Accurately
Studying genes and their components can be very tricky, as they are difficult to visualize. Not being able to interact with complex data visually slows pattern recognition in the brain.
Genomics is particularly important because it helps detect genetic disorders early. Diseases like thalassemia are linked to genetics, and early detection helps improve the quality of life for patients.
Dr. Maryam Matar from the UAE Genetics Association asserts the role of technology here, saying, “Genetic testing and newer technologies provide an opportunity to understand our genes better and allow us to take action to help subside those genes by following a healthy lifestyle, sleep and exercise pattern.”
VR and AR are helping researchers view these complex structures in a 3D format. With even simple tools such as headsets, they can interact with their data in a new form.
“With VR, you can walk through the genes, examining them part-by-part and detecting interactions.”
AR takes this a step further by projecting these images, allowing multiple people to access this information at once.
The Global Importance of Healthtech
On a global level, these emerging trends have prompted large organizations to focus on technology. Several healthtech events are being organized worldwide, to bring together experts and encourage innovation. The largest health conference in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region, Arab Health, is making the tech revolution the focus for its 2020 event.
With its immersive solutions partner, Munfarid, the conference will bring Futuristic Healthcare experiences in Training, Diagnostic, Therapeutic, and Wellness programs to its attendees. Through initiatives such as #VRforGood and #VRforImpact, these organizations aspire to help the elderly with chronic illnesses and are spreading happiness through improved quality of life for people all around the world.
In a Nutshell
Technology has been the driving force behind innovation in healthcare and will continue to be so over the coming years. It has made procedures safer, more reliable and optimal.
Through recent advances in AR and VR, patients and practitioners can look forward to a brighter, healthier, and happier 2020!
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Dr Obi Adigwe has been appointed as the pioneer National Coordinator of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO).
The body was created by the Ministry of Health under the approval of President Bola Tinubu.
NHTDAO will be domiciled in the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, a statement on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, stated.
The agency will serve as a meta-level national platform for coordinating the country’s digital-health agenda. It will reinforce, not replace, the existing statutory functions of relevant departments and agencies, it was emphasised.
The organisation will also harmonise and empower the public and private institutions across the health system, set the standards that connect them, and operationalise the National Digital Health Architecture, approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025.
It was stated that President Tinubu expects NHTDAO to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a secure, interoperable and data-driven health system that improves outcomes for all citizens.
Mr Adigwe, as Director General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, has leveraged science to catalyse interventions in artificial intelligence, translational research, and technology transfer.
He coordinated major projects, including the ¥300m Nanotechnology grant and the AFREXIMBank grant for Africa’s first API Training Facility. He led the roadmap development that underpinned an €18 million EU grant, the largest in Africa for the thematic area. During the last pandemic, Adigwe globally showcased African science by undertaking the world’s first analysis to debunk claims about the Covid Organics preparation.
The Office’s Steering Committee, which provides strategic direction and oversight, comprises:
- Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare (Co-chair)
- Mr Olaniyi Yusuf, Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (Co-chair)
- Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare (Alternate Co-chair)
- Ms Kachollom Daju, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
- Mr Idris Alubankudi Saliu, Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy
- Dr Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq, National Coordinator, SWAp Coordination Office
- Dr Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator, Presidential Initiative to Unlock Healthcare Value Chain
- Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency
- Dr Kelechi Ohiri, Director General, National Health Insurance Authority
- Director, Health Planning, Research and Statistics, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
- National Information Technology Development Agency Representative
- Six representatives of the State Commissioners of Health, one from each of the six geopolitical zones
- Pharm Hamza Buhari, Stakeholder representing Industry and Community.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State government has kicked off an initiative to ensure that every newborn is screened for Sickle Cell Disease within 48 to 72 hours after birth using a simple heel-prick test.
It was gathered that babies identified as being at risk will immediately be placed on preventive care while awaiting confirmatory testing.
The Head of the Haematology Department at the Alimosho General Hospital, Dr Olubukola Orolu, revealed that an estimated 150,000 babies are born annually with Sickle Cell Disease in Nigeria, giving the country one of the highest SCD burdens globally.
She, however, applauded the Lagos State Government and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) for introducing the state-wide newborn screening programme, describing it as a major step towards reducing childhood deaths associated with the disease.
The commencement of this scheme coincides with the 2026 World Sickle Cell Day, themed Young Voices Rising for Sickle Cell Disease – Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Disease.
It highlights the importance of listening to the experiences and aspirations of young people living with Sickle Cell Disease.
Mrs Orolu noted that SCD warriors are increasingly breaking barriers as advocates, leaders, students and change-makers, adding that their voices have continued to reshape the narrative through advocacy for equitable, patient-centred healthcare, self-care and experience sharing.
She, therefore, called for equal access to quality healthcare, survival opportunities and dignity for everyone living with Sickle Cell Disease.
Also commenting, the chief executive of Alimosho General Hospital, Dr Akinyele Akinlade, described Sickle Cell Disease as an inherited blood disorder that is not contagious, noting that individuals living with the condition are more susceptible to infections.
He advised SCD warriors to stay well hydrated, avoid stress, and protect themselves from extreme cold or heat, as these are common triggers of sickle cell crises, adding that these preventive measures can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of crises.
One of the participants, Ms Borokini Zainab, an SCD warrior and student nurse, expressed appreciation to the organisers for the enlightenment programme.
Sharing her personal journey, she spoke about the challenges of balancing recurrent pain crises with her academic pursuits and personal life. Despite moments of frustration, she encouraged fellow warriors not to lose hope.
“Don’t let sickle cell put you down. Be encouraged from within. Don’t let your dreams be shattered because of this,” she said, adding that her personal experience with Sickle Cell Disease inspired her to pursue a career in nursing so she could support others living with the condition.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A 12-week health-tech incubation programme tailored for early-stage founders in Nigeria has been introduced by an innovation and venture-building platform, Evon Labs.
This initiative, known as HealthX Catalyst, will help participants to create scalable, investable solutions for Africa’s urgent healthcare issues.
The programme is underway, with 12 selected founders nearing the final weeks of intensive incubation, ending with a Demo Day on June 24, 2026, at the UNDP innovation centre in Lagos, where the small business owners will present their solutions to an audience of investors, healthcare leaders, development organisations, and technology partners.
The initiative selects early-stage healthcare founders and immerses them in a structured 12-week development process. Throughout this period, participants receive personalised and group mentorship from seasoned professionals across the healthcare, technology, and business sectors.
They also receive structured support for startup development, including refining business models, developing value propositions, and validating markets.
Additionally, participants gain access to a network of healthcare practitioners, sector experts, and industry leaders, along with targeted investment-readiness assistance to prepare them to engage with investors and strategic partners after the programme.
The result is a cohort of founders who move through the programme not simply with a refined pitch, but with a validated business model, a stronger professional network, and a clear pathway to growth.
To accelerate the most promising solutions beyond the programme, monetary grants will be awarded to the top three founders to support product development, pilot implementation, market validation, and early-stage scaling.
It was learned that HealthX Catalyst was developed in response to a structural gap in the African health-tech ecosystem.
Across the continent, a growing number of entrepreneurs are building solutions to healthcare problems from access and diagnostics to service delivery and health data infrastructure. Yet many of these early-stage ideas fail to progress beyond concept, not for lack of vision, but for lack of structured support: mentorship, startup development frameworks, industry access, and early-stage funding pathways. HealthX Catalyst was built to provide exactly that.
“Africa does not have a shortage of healthcare innovators. What it has lacked is the infrastructure to turn its ideas into sustainable businesses. HealthX Catalyst is that infrastructure, a serious, structured programme designed to take founders from early-stage ideas to investable startups.
“What we are seeing from this first cohort is exactly what we set out to create: founders who are not just building products, but building businesses that can scale and create lasting impact,” the founder of Evon Labs, Ms Isioma Udeozo, said of the unveiling of HealthX Catalyst.
The partners of the programme are the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Odua Investment Company Limited (OICL), Washington University of St Louis, Missouri, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), and Brooks Insights.
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