Annie Gwerengwe, Founder and MD at Zarcare, on Fostering individual agency and holistic well-being, at Healthcare Innovation Summit Africa 2023 hosted by IT News Africa. #HISA2023 #Healthcare #Healthtech #HealthInnovation

1. Fostering individual agency and holistic well-being
Annie Gwerengwe

2. In South Africa, annually, nearly
9% of 17-year-olds and 46.3% of
19-year-olds have dropped out of
the school system as of 2021.
This implies a lack of access to higher
education and other facets of the economy
as well as reduced job opportunities.
Reference: Stats SA

3. As of the start of 2023, internet
adoption in South Africa reached
72.3% of the population.
This equates to 43.48 million internet users
- a marked increase from the previous year.
Reference: Statista

4. The global market for wearable
health devices is projected to reach
$60 billion by the end of 2023
Although some forecast a much lower
number like $20b this still indicates a
growing reliance on technology for
health monitoring and management.
Reference: Juniper Research

5. Globally, telehealth reach
and adoption has surged.
Over 70% since the start of the
COVID-19 pandemic, dramatically
transforming healthcare delivery.
Reference: Fortune Business Insights

6. As of the start of 2023, India's internet penetration
rate stood at 48.7% of the total population,
translating to about 692 million internet users.
The state of telemedicine in India reflects a
dynamic and rapidly evolving sector with significant
growth and challenges.
India's wearable market size has surpassed that of
China and the US. Interestingly, the sale of
smartwatches in India has been significant, with a
smartwatch being sold for every smartphone
in the country.
Case Study: India
Reference: Mordor Intelligence

7. The South African Landscape
- Telehealth: The market encompasses technologies such as
videoconferencing, the internet, store-and-forward imaging, streaming media,
and terrestrial and wireless communications.
- Wearable Technology: Over 504.1 million units are expected to be shipped
and sold in 2023, growing close to 650 million units in 2027. Emerging
markets, including South Africa, are expected to drive continuous growth, with
many consumers in these regions being first-time buyers of wearable
technology.
- How do we enable and foster agency and holistic well-being in South Africa?

8. Zarcare – a South African take on enabling telehealth
WHY DO WE EXIST?
South Africans deserve a unique and
reliable mobile online platform that
connects them to trusted healthcare
and wellness services providers.
HOW DO WE ENSURE THIS?
We continuously strive to listen and
understand the different South African
healthcare and wellbeing needs. We
equally value the healthcare seekers and
providers’ voice and journey whilst
ensuring convenience, inclusivity and
user friendliness within the
South African narrative
WHAT IS OUR PRODUCT?
A compliant telehealth platform that is
easily accessible, user friendly,
trusted and reliable.

9. Zarcare
We aim to:
● Promote female service providers
● Partners with NGOs to provide health and wellness
to females who have suffered from
gender based violence.
● Educate our users on pertinent healthcare issues
● Provide resources & tools regarding mental health
● Partner with institutions such as
schools & corporates
● Easy navigation for all users
● Rating for all users increasing trust
● Continuous platform improvements and artificial
intelligence to ensure reliability and stability
● Gives an option of multilingual service providers
● Easily accessible across different devices e.g. feature
phones, smart phones, tablets
● Data light
● User has options on communication medium – it can
be text, audio or video options for making contact
● Personal information (including audio & video) are
protected and can be accessed at anytime
● Secure and compliant storage of personal information
to be shared only after consent.

10. Who is Zarcare?
Value Formation & Core Activities
Zarcare operates as a transaction facilitator between healthcare providers
and seekers looking for fast, reliable and trustworthy online consultation at
an affordable price. By engaging top-tier healthcare providers and
implementing a rating and review system, the platform builds trust within the
community of users, educates and lowers health and wellness transaction
costs. In addition, profiles and user reviews help to create reputation and
trust among participants of the Zarcare ecosystem.
Our story is rooted in serving
society and providing help to
those in need.

11. How to foster agency
and holistic well-being?
Bridging educational gaps
and digital divide
A telehealth platform can have the potential to
significantly contribute to reducing educational
disparities and the digital divide, especially in
healthcare. They can provide equitable access to
medical education, patient education, and public
health information, improving overall health
outcomes and knowledge in communities.
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12. How to foster agency
and holistic well-being?
Telehealth for Mental and
Physical Well-being
Given the mental health impact of socio-economic
disparities, telehealth can play a crucial role in providing
accessible mental health services. This is particularly
relevant in areas with limited access to healthcare
facilities. Telehealth services can offer counselling,
mental health assessments, and continuous support,
contributing to holistic well-being.
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13. How to foster agency
and holistic well-being?
Wearable Health Devices in
Education or Occupational Settings
Wearable health devices can be used in occupational
and educational settings to monitor the physical
well-being of individuals. These devices can track
indicators like stress levels, physical activity, and sleep
patterns, providing valuable data to support individual
health and well-being.
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14. How to foster agency
and holistic well-being?
Healthcare Applications for
Health Literacy and Agency
User-friendly healthcare applications can be used to
enhance health literacy. Educating individuals on health
and well-being through interactive apps can empower
them to make informed decisions about their health,
fostering a sense of agency.
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15. How to foster agency
and holistic well-being?
Enhancing Accessibility
and Inclusivity
Technology, particularly telehealth and healthcare
applications, can be tailored to address gender-specific
health needs, promoting inclusivity and addressing
disparities.
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16. How to foster agency
and holistic well-being?
Data-driven Interventions
and Programmes
Technology, particularly telehealth and healthcare
applications, can be tailored to address gender-specific
health needs, promoting inclusivity and addressing
disparities.
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17. How to foster agency
and holistic well-being?
Compliance is key
The ability to diligently comply with all relevant
guidelines, regulations and legislation and prioritise
user privacy and confidentiality is key to becoming a
credible telehealth provider.
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18. Thank you.
Contact me: annie@zarcare.co.za