Telehealth pilot records 95% engagement from persons with disabilities

A digital healthcare pilot in Nigeria has recorded strong participation from persons with disabilities (PWDs), with more than 95 percent of users accessing the service at least once a month.

The pilot was carried out by KoyoHealthTech in partnership with TAF Africa and the Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen Resource Centre for Persons with Disabilities. It was delivered through the Koyo Navigate App, which offers virtual doctor consultations and AI-supported health guidance.

The initiative was designed to help persons with disabilities overcome barriers that often make healthcare difficult to access in Nigeria, including transportation challenges, inaccessible hospitals and reliance on others for communication or support during medical visits.

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According to the findings from the pilot, usage of the platform remained high throughout the programme. While about 95 percent of participants used the service monthly, more than half consulted doctors weekly or even more frequently, and some users checked in daily.

KoyoHealthTech said the strong engagement shows that many persons with disabilities are willing to adopt digital healthcare tools when services are designed with their needs in mind.

Participants affirmed the platform allowed them to access medical advice privately and more comfortably. One user said it was easier to reach a doctor without leaving home, while another highlighted the prompt response and patience shown by doctors during consultations.

For many users, virtual consultations removed barriers that often prevent them from seeking care. Some participants said hospital visits can be difficult because of long distances, expensive transportation or the need to depend on others for mobility or interpretation.

For instance, John Ola, who survived a spinal cord injury said accessing hospitals had been challenging due to distance and transport costs.

Another user who is deaf said communication barriers often affect healthcare visits.

During the pilot, users reported feeling more confident discussing their health concerns. Some said the digital setting allowed them to speak openly without fear of judgment or discrimination.

This shift in confidence is important because many people delay seeking care due to past negative experiences in healthcare facilities. Earlier consultations through digital platforms could help prevent health problems from becoming emergencies.

The results may also have wider implications for Nigeria’s healthcare system. With a shortage of doctors and growing demand for medical services, virtual consultations could help reduce pressure on hospitals by enabling early medical advice and routine check-ins.

The pilot also suggests potential cost benefits for persons with disabilities, who often spend significantly more on healthcare than people without disabilities, according to research cited in the report.

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TAF Africa contributed community insights and long-standing engagement with disability groups, while KoyoHealthTech provided the digital platform tailored to Nigeria’s healthcare environment. Support from the Abbas Tajudeen Resource Centre for Persons with Disabilities helped provide policy visibility and backing for the project.

Following the results, the next stage of the programme will focus on expanding access to more communities. The long-term goal is to reach a larger share of the estimated 55 million Nigerians living with disabilities.

The high usage recorded in the pilot suggests that digital healthcare could play a growing role in improving access to medical services for persons with disabilities across the country.