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The Potentials of Wearable Devices for Tackling Healthcare Challenges in Africa
My first experience with any wearable device was with a cheaply-made clip-on pedometer. All that did was track my steps the few times I remembered to clip it on my body. To say it was a nuisance will be an understatement.
Fast forward a few years later, I was able to afford my first Fitbit — the Flex — whose technology was groundbreaking for me. This device promised not only steps, but my heartbeat, water intake, calories burned, and even the number of restful sleep hours I had! Not even the cost (~$100) was a deterrent to me; I gave my money to the seller willingly. Unlike the old pedometer I had, my Fitbit was waterproof and had the convenience of being worn all the time.
Even better, the seamless technology it came with meant I could sync my data to my phone, get weekly updates on my progress, and compete with my friends on weekly challenges. Indeed, these are ‘basic’ function compared to what some other wearable devices can do. The global market for these devices is growing and expected to rise to around 52 billion U.S. dollars in 2022.
Earlier this year, Apple added a new feature to their watch, making them the first company to accomplish such a feat. While only available in the US, the latest feature included a mobile electrocardiogram (ECG), which will…
