New report unveils AI role in Africa’s health sector growth

Africa stands at the forefront of a revolutionary shift in global health, driven by artificial intelligence and data science, according to a report released from the Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation), African institutions and research councils.

This report is pioneering in its approach to thoroughly investigate national viewpoints across Africa regarding artificial intelligence and data science applications in global health.

The landscape presents an unprecedented view into the potential to improve AI governance in Africa to reduce the risk and stop the perpetuation of inequity.

Titled “Governance of Artificial Intelligence for Global Health in Africa”, the report is produced through the SFA Foundation’s Science Policy Engagement with Africa’s Research (SPEAR) de la Fondation SFA. programme as a culmination of a year-long effort involving convenings across Africa’s five regions, policy analysis and extensive surveys to identify policy gaps and opportunities in AI and data science for global health.

Based on consultations spanning 43 African nations, the report includes perspectives from more than 300 participants, guaranteeing a thorough and inclusive methodology for its conclusions.

"The current global AI governance framework does not adequately address Africa's distinct requirements and objectives," stated Prof. Tom Kariuki, CEO of the SFA Foundation.

He stated, "Our report on AI in global health and data sciences advocates for transitioning to frameworks that resonate with Africa’s specific circumstances, guaranteeing ethical, fair, and effective uses of AI—not just to address the healthcare issues facing our continent, but also to contribute to worldwide improvements in health."

The document highlights major patterns, deficiencies, and prospects in artificial intelligence and data science as they pertain to healthcare throughout Africa.

Several nations across Africa, like Mauritius, Nigeria, Malawi, Ethiopia, Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal, and Tunisia, have initiated comprehensive national artificial intelligence programs. Additionally, more than three dozen African countries are currently engaged in AI research and development efforts. For instance, projects such as Rwanda’s Seed Investment Fund and Nigeria’s National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics exemplify significant financial commitments towards fostering growth in AI start-ups within these regions.

Even with increasing attention, there remains a significant lack of specific governance structures for health AI in Africa.

Although health takes center stage in conversations about AI, particular structures for its ethical implementation in this sector remain inadequately formed.

A significant number of current AI policies do not include provisions for gender and fairness. Addressing this deficiency is crucial to avoid disparities in accessing advances in AI technology and improvements in healthcare results.

“Integrating AI into healthcare goes beyond mere technological advancement; it involves improving our policy frameworks to guarantee that these developments result in improved health outcomes for all Africans,” emphasized Dr Uzma Alam, who leads the Science Policy Engagement with Africa’s Research (SPEAR) program.

Several established policy frameworks can be utilized or expanded upon to develop governance for ethical AI and data science practices.

A minimum of 35 African nations possess national strategies for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) along with Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), alongside health research and innovation policies. These frameworks include provisions relevant to the advancement and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) and data science technologies.

The report is expected to act as a catalyst for integrating AI into health strategies across the continent, marking a significant step forward in Africa’s journey toward leadership in global health innovation by calling for:

The report advocates for incorporating various viewpoints related to gender, urban versus rural issues, and traditional indigenous wisdom into artificial intelligence healthcare management systems. It emphasizes the importance of flexible regulations that ensure equal opportunities alongside technological advancements, encouraging local partnerships and aiding the unregulated economic activities sector.

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).