A new paper in The Lancet Global Health. [ Our HIFA Catalyst team monitors several journals to inform you on the latest news and research that is relevant to the HIFA remit. These include The Lancet, BMJ, BMJ Global Health, WHO Bulletin, Lancet Digital Health, Lancet Africa (new). If you would like to add a journal, please get in touch: neil@hifa.org ]
CITATION: Lancet Global Health, Volume 14, Issue 1e131-e142January 2026Open access
The role of digital health and artificial intelligence in improving the reach and effectiveness of HIV prevention in Africa
Alinafe Mbewe et al.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(25)00447-4/fulltext
SUMMARY
As global HIV prevention efforts face mounting fiscal pressures and persistent coverage gaps, digital health interventions (DHIs), including artificial intelligence, promise improved effectiveness, equity, and reach. Across several countries in sub-Saharan Africa, digital health tools, including mobile applications and health information systems, are extending service delivery, optimising resource allocation, improving client engagement, and strengthening HIV prevention service delivery. Artificial intelligence applications are further enhancing data analytics, epidemic modelling, hotspot prediction, and differentiated service delivery models for HIV care and prevention programmes. However, crucial challenges that reduce the effectiveness of DHIs include poor interoperability, low digital literacy, suboptimal data use and interpretation, insufficient connectivity, privacy concerns, and fragmented governance. Intentional integration of DHIs into national health strategies, supported by robust data protection frameworks, culturally relevant design, investments in workforce capacity, and sustainable financing mechanisms is essential to ensure these tools drive lasting gains in the reach, quality, and equity of HIV care and other health services. If properly resourced, governed, and integrated into health systems, DHIs, supported by artificial intelligence, can help countries deliver smarter, faster, and more equitable HIV prevention services, while also contributing to broader health system strengthening.
KEY MESSAGES
- Digital health interventions and artificial intelligence are expanding the reach, efficiency, and equity of HIV prevention in Africa
- Examples from Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa show how digital tools can be systematically integrated into national HIV programmes
- Confidential, user-centred platforms, such as SMS chatbots, telehealth, and social media outreach, can reduce stigma and extend services to key populations
- Barriers to sustained impact include insufficient interoperability, low digital literacy, inadequate infrastructure, financing constraints, and privacy concerns
- Human-centred design, strong governance, and community engagement are crucial to building trust and ensuring uptake of digital health interventions
- Embedding digital health and artificial intelligence into national strategies, with investment in infrastructure, workforce, and regulation, is essential for scalable and sustainable HIV prevention
HIFA profile: Neil Pakenham-Walsh is coordinator of HIFA (Healthcare Information For All), a global health community that brings all stakeholders together around the shared goal of universal access to reliable healthcare information. HIFA has 20,000 members in 180 countries, interacting in four languages and representing all parts of the global evidence ecosystem. HIFA is administered by Global Healthcare Information Network, a UK-based nonprofit in official relations with the World Health Organization. Email: neil@hifa.org