East African economies could accelerate attainment of quality healthcare by leveraging artificial intelligence in diagnostics.
This comes as the region’s healthcare sector transitions from digital health pilots towards wider implementation.
According to Kenya Healthcare Federation Chief Executive Officer Dr Anne Musuva the country’s digital health reforms have created opportunities to improve the delivery of healthcare.
“Kenya is undergoing ambitious digital health reforms, creating significant opportunities to improve access, efficiency and quality across our healthcare system,” she said.
Within the East African Community, hospitals and governments are increasingly adopting technologies aimed at improving diagnosis, patient management and access to care.
Artificial intelligence (AI)-supported diagnostics, telemedicine, electronic health records, hospital management systems and connected medical devices are becoming part of a broader effort to make healthcare delivery more efficient and connected across the region.
“AI-supported diagnostics and telemedicine, in particular, have the potential to extend quality healthcare beyond major urban centres and help build a more equitable health system,” she added.
Speaking as part of the organisers for the World Health Expo (WHX) Nairobi, Dr Musuva said collaboration between government, healthcare providers and technology companies would be important in translating digital health policies into practical solutions.
However despite calls for digital transition, poor infrastructure has been cited as a hurdle towards achieving quality healthcare.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that only about 30% of telemedicine projects in Africa have been implemented, with unreliable electricity, limited devices and inadequate broadband among the barriers to wider adoption.
Informa Markets Portfolio Director for Healthcare Tom Coleman said the event comes at a time when healthcare providers are increasingly assessing technologies that can deliver practical benefits.
“WHX in Nairobi brings together AI diagnostics, telemedicine platforms, and hospital technology providers with healthcare leaders during an active procurement period, giving buyers a direct view of available solutions,” he noted.
The event slated for later this month is expected to have at least 5,500 healthcare professionals, suppliers and other industry stakeholders.
