More Than a Message: Debbie Rogers of Reach Digital Health

More Than a Message: Debbie Rogers of Reach Digital Health

February 4, 2026 · 51 min · Season 3 · Episode 7

About this episode

Debbie Rogers discusses the evolution of Reach Digital Health and its impact on healthcare in Africa.

In this episode, Jim Fruchterman speaks with Debbie Rogers , CEO of Reach Digital Health . Debbie details the evolution of Reach Digital Health (formerly the Praekelt Foundation), which was founded on the insight that mobile phone penetration in Africa was leapfrogging the rest of the world. This created a unique opportunity to address systemic health challenges like HIV and maternal mortality. One of their first projects reduced "loss to follow-up" at HIV clinics from 30% to just 6% using simple SMS reminders and "please call me" technology. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how to transition from "pilot-itis" to national-scale technology that treats users with dignity and provides them with a voice. Full transcript: https://techmatters.org/messaging-debbie-rogers-reach-digital-health DEBBIE ROGERS [Co-Founder & President] Debbie Rogers's career is anchored in a special blend of technical and creative expertise, beginning with an Honours degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master's in Digital Arts from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. Now, Debbie is a globally recognized leader serving as a member of the World Health Organization's…

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