By Michael Gwarisa
Two young Zimbabweans have embarked on a mission to transform the nation’s healthcare landscape with a new digital tool, the Epi App.
The innovation aims to provide real-time monitoring for epilepsy patients, potentially reducing the life-altering risks associated with the disorder.
The mobile application, developed by Munashe Dube, a Bioengineering student at the University of Zimbabwe, and Lincoln Casette, an Electronics Engineering graduate from the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT), took the spotlight as the grand prize winner at the 2024 Cimas Healthathon.
Epilepsy, a neurological disorder affecting millions worldwide, remains a major public health challenge in Zimbabwe due to limited resources for timely diagnosis and management.
Presenting his pitch during the Healthathon24 in Harare, Munashe Dube said, they are dedicated to closing this gap.
The app is designed to facilitate real-time communication between patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers, enabling more effective and responsive treatment interventions,” said Munashe.
The CIMAS Healthathon, held under the theme “Transforming Healthcare: Pioneering Tomorrow’s Health Solutions,” saw dozens of participants showcase digital solutions targeting critical health challenges in Zimbabwe.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal, and Courier Services, Dr. Beullah Chirume, commended the participants for developing the innovative models that are set to address domestic healthcare challenges.
“Technology is not just a tool; it is the lifeblood of our development strategies, especially in sectors like healthcare. From telemedicine to data-driven diagnostics, technology is rapidly transforming how we deliver and access health services.”
Dr. Chirume emphasized that the government’s goal is to create an inclusive, tech-driven healthcare system where digital transformation is “not a luxury but essential.”
Telemedicine and digital health featured prominently at the Healthathon, reflecting global shifts toward accessible, technology-driven healthcare. Digital health solutions like Epi App highlight the increasing demand for tools that offer patients personalized care without the need for frequent in-person visits, making healthcare more accessible to those in remote or underserved areas.
Mrs. Thando Kembo, Cimas Group Operating Officer, expressed pride in the Healthathon’s emphasis on sustainable health solutions, saying, “Our purpose is to inspire global communities by providing solutions to health problems. People are living longer due to medical interventions, but now the question is: will we live healthier lives? Initiatives like this Healthathon inspire solutions that not only increase longevity but improve quality of life.”
Meanwhile the Cimas Healthathon’s focus on digital innovation reflects Cimas’s ongoing investment in health technologies and partnerships that bring digital health solutions to Zimbabwe. In recent years, Cimas has championed various initiatives aimed at integrating telemedicine and data analytics into traditional healthcare models. This approach aligns with the organization’s commitment to supporting future-proof healthcare solutions that meet the demands of an increasingly digital world.
Dr. Lodrina Masiyazi, Director of Technology Transfer, Licensing, and Commercialization at HIT, stressed the importance of nurturing homegrown health technology, saying, “It’s been in the works for quite some months, as we focus on ICT applications in the health sector. Our goal has been to incubate, develop, transfer, and commercialize technology. We are glad to partner with CIMAS on this journey.”
The Epi App team and other participants exemplify how Zimbabwean innovation can address public health challenges, supporting the nation’s digital transformation in healthcare. By merging the power of technology with clinical needs, the CIMAS Healthathon is a significant step toward ensuring healthier, longer lives for Zimbabweans through accessible and scalable digital solutions.
