Cloud computing applications for Health Sector in East Africa.

 Cloud computing is an on-demand access of computing resources like physical or virtual servers, data storage, networking capabilities, software, application development tools and many more over the internet with pay-per-use pricing. Cloud computing plays a major role in the healthcare sector in East Africa such as improving healthcare delivery, advanced research and education among others.

Cloud computing has played a major role in enhancing patient care in East Africa. This has been made possible by innovative solutions such as M-Tiba, a Kenyan mobile health platform that leverages the cloud to enable Kenyans to save for and pay for healthcare services using their mobile phones. This helps to improve access to healthcare, especially for the population without an access to a bank. Rwanda also has a cloud-bases blood bank management system that tracks blood availability in real-time, ensuring efficient blood product management and improved response times to emergencies.

Cloud computing has facilitated collaboration and data analysis for researchers, leading to faster breakthroughs and improved healthcare outcomes, leading to advanced research and development. The KEMRI (Kenya Medical Research Institute) cloud platform has allowed researchers across East Africa to access and share datasets securely, thus facilitating collaborative research and accelerating medical advancements. 

Cloud computing has enabled improved healthcare delivery and accessibility, especially in the rural areas where healthcare is scarce. Some countries in East Africa such as Uganda through the Ministry of Health's cloud-based health information system (HIS) has allowed healthcare workers across the country to access patients' data securely, improving collaboration and, hence facilitating informed clinical decisions. Tanzania also utilizes a maternal health monitoring cloud-based platforms that can be used to remotely monitor pregnant women in the rural areas, allowing for early detection of complications and timely interventions.

Cloud computing has enabled telemedicine and remote care, whereby remote consultations with specialist have been made possible, particularly in remote areas, expanding healthcare access and reducing strain on under-resourced facilities. Safaricom’s Doctor Anywhere platform in Kenya enables patients to consult with their doctors virtually, reducing the need for travel and increasing access to health care in remote areas. Another platform is the Ethiopia’s cloud-based telemedicine program that connects rural health facilities with specialist in urban centers, improving access to specialized care and medicine for patients in remote areas.

Cloud computing has enabled delivering of healthcare education and training through platforms such as the mHealth, a Kenyan initiative by the AMREF Health Africa, that enables delivering of healthcare education and training utilizing mobile-based learning. This enables for there to be more skilled health care providers throughout the country even in remote regions.

In conclusion, cloud computing holds a great breakthrough for transforming the healthcare landscape in East Africa. By making use of cloud-base applications, healthcare stakeholders can overcome barriers, enhance service delivery and improve health outcomes for East Africa.