Phila Digital Health Equity Network
About us
At Phila Digital Health Equity Network (PDHEN), we are committed to addressing the digital divide in healthcare, particularly in under-resourced and rural communities across South Africa. Our goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to access and utilize digital health tools, ensuring that everyone—regardless of geographic location or socioeconomic background—has the opportunity to manage their health through technology.
Our Vision
To build a South Africa where every individual, especially those in rural and marginalized areas, can access, understand, and benefit from digital health innovations that improve personal and community well-being.
Our Mission
PDHEN is focused on increasing digital health literacy, particularly in underserved rural areas, by developing and implementing community-centered programs that leverage technology to bridge the gap between healthcare services and the people who need them most. We work with local stakeholders, healthcare professionals, and technology providers to promote accessible healthcare through education, capacity building, and digital tools.
Our Impact
We are currently working on our flagship project in one of the rural villages in the Eastern Cape, where we aim to set up the first Digital Health Literacy Hub. This initiative is designed to empower the local community with the knowledge and skills to access healthcare information through digital platforms, thereby enhancing their overall well-being and creating a ripple effect for future generations.
Join Us
Phila Digital Health Equity Network invites you to partner with us in our mission to create a healthier, more informed, and digitally connected South Africa. Whether you're an individual passionate about healthcare, a community leader, a technology provider, or an organization committed to social impact, your involvement can help bring digital health literacy to the communities that need it most.
Together, let’s close the digital health gap and build a future where everyone has the tools to live healthier lives.
About our Founder
Dr Melissa Makalima
Dr. Melissa Makalima is the visionary behind Phila Digital Health Equity Network (PDHEN), a nonprofit organization committed to transforming healthcare access in rural communities through digital health tools and education. With a PhD in Information Technology and a specialization in health informatics, Dr. Makalima is particularly focused on empowering rural communities in South Africa by addressing the barriers that limit access to digital health platforms and promoting health literacy.
She is driven by a deep commitment to community development and digital inclusion. She believes that every individual deserves the opportunity to access reliable healthcare services, regardless of their geographical location or socioeconomic status. Recognizing that technology plays a critical role in bridging this gap, Dr. Makalima founded PDHEN to focus on increasing awareness and education around digital health tools, helping rural populations leverage these platforms for their healthcare needs.
Beyond her work with PDHEN, Dr. Makalima is also a dedicated educator, committed to nurturing the next generation of technology professionals. She has inspired countless students with her belief in the power of technology to create lasting social change. Her approach is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and the firm belief that local communities hold the key to their own development when given the right tools and resources.