Overheard in Africa: AI may be just what the doctor ordered for better healthcare, stronger society

Technology leaders and academic researchers joined with healthcare professionals in Nigeria Nov. 13 to sketch out the future of African healthcare.

The occasion was the Media and Development Conference 2023. Organized by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, the conference ended up focusing largely on healthcare.

According to the online Nigerian newspaper the Premium Times, a consensus emerged on that topic: “AI could be what Africa needs to build a resilient, society-wide primary healthcare system and ensure adequate and quality health services for all.”

Here are takeaway points made by four featured speakers.

1. Darlington Akogo, founder and CEO of minoHealth AI Labs, said AI stands to help fill gaps created by physician shortages across Nigeria (population: 225 million) and beyond, the Premium Times reports. This capability can automate administrative duties so physicians can see more patients, Akogo noted. However, he cautioned, it “may be difficult” to get AI to complete tasks as humans would. More:

“AI is a powerful technology that, when harnessed for good, can transform societies. The whole idea of AI is that it is a machine with human abilities and its potential is immense; however, there are limitations to what it can provide. We need to ensure safety by deploying it in ethical contexts.”

2. Oluwakemi (“Kemi”) Gbadamosi, director of advocacy and policy for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Africa Bureau:

“For AI to make a real impact [on population health], we require a distinct document outlining frameworks for both IT and healthcare.”

3. Oluchukwu Obele, program coordinator for governance and human rights at Christian Aid of Nigeria:

“We need to ‘sell’ AI in the right way, highlighting its potential benefits. Moreover, there’s a need for audience education and robust data protection measures as we venture into this new era.”

4. Shehu Tijjani Yusuf, PhD, senior lecturer in economics and history at Bayero University in Kano, Nigeria:

“Unless we take [AI] very seriously, we will be left behind just like what happened [during] the Industrial Revolution.”

To this Yusuf added: “Primary schools should integrate AI into their curriculum, addressing societal challenges through technological solutions. We must develop curricula that adapt to the present and anticipate the future.”

Premium Times coverage here.