The potential of blockchain technology in addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in African developing countries
Loading...
Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Israa University
Abstract
The objective of this study is to explore the potential of blockchain technology (BCT) in addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in developing African countries. The study utilizes a thematic analysis approach to analyze data gathered from a focus group discussion (FGD) with experts in the field. The FGD involved researchers and stakeholders with expertise in blockchain technology and healthcare in African developing countries. The data collected from the FGD was transcribed and coded to identify themes and trends related to the use of BCT in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings shows that BCT can address various COVID-19 challenges in African countries, such as supply chain management, fraud prevention, counterfeit prevention, donation tracking, corruption mitigation, contact tracing, and ensuring clinical data integrity, as indicated by thematic analysis of FGD data. Participants supported BCT's potential to enhance transparency and traceability in healthcare supply chains, ensuring proper distribution of COVID-19 supplies. BCT can combat corruption, bribery, and verify product authenticity to prevent fraudulent or counterfeit distribution. However, implementing BCT effectively requires addressing emerging issues like policy gaps, misinformation, legal concerns, skilled personnel needs, data accuracy, training, cultural barriers, and resource constraints. Blockchain technology shows promise in addressing COVID-19 challenges in African countries by enhancing transparency, traceability, and efficiency in the healthcare supply chain and mitigating corruption and fraud. However, successful implementation requires addressing issues like policy gaps, misinformation, legal hurdles, and resource constraints. Collaborative efforts among policymakers, researchers, and practitioners are vital to harness BCT's potential and improve healthcare quality in African countries during the pandemic.
Description
Abstract. Full text available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10646522
Keywords
Blockchain Technology, BCT, COVID-19, African Developing Countries, Developing Countries, COVID-19 Pandemic, Pandemic
Citation
Ishengoma, D. F. R. (2024). The potential of blockchain technology in addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in African developing countries. ISRAA University Journal of Applied Sciences, 8(1), 84-108.