Internet Access, Healthcare Delivery, and Rural Economic Welfare in Cameroon

The rapid diffusion of digital technologies is transforming the organisation of health systems and economic activities across the world. In recent years, internet connectivity has increasingly been recognised as a critical driver of healthcare delivery and socioeconomic welfare, particularly in rural communities where access to services remains limited. This study examines the relationship between internet access, healthcare delivery, and rural economic welfare in Cameroon. The main objective of the study is to analyse the extent to which internet access contributes to improvements in healthcare delivery and rural economic welfare at the national level. Specifically, the study seeks to evaluate the effect of internet penetration on healthcare service utilisation and to determine whether improved healthcare delivery contributes to enhanced rural economic welfare. The study employs secondary data drawn from internationally recognised sources, including the World Development Indicators, the International Telecommunication Union database, and the Global Health Observatory covering the period 2005 to 2024. The study uses an econometric modelling framework estimated through Ordinary Least Squares techniques. The findings reveal that internet penetration has a statistically significant positive effect on healthcare delivery and contributes indirectly to improvements in rural economic welfare through enhanced access to health information and services. The results further show that economic growth, educational attainment, and infrastructure development reinforce the positive impact of digital connectivity on rural welfare. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the Government of Cameroon strengthen digital infrastructure expansion in rural areas while integrating internet-based health information systems within the national healthcare strategy in order to improve service delivery and promote inclusive economic development.