This month saw AI innovations showcased on the global stage, from Las Vegas to Cape Town, as major tech companies and health experts gathered to explore the future of healthcare. In Las Vegas, Google, Microsoft, and Nvidia demonstrated how AI-driven tools can save doctors and nurses precious time.
Meanwhile, Cape Town hosted the Africa Health Exhibition & Congress to discuss how AI could impact Africa's health systems.
Following the Las Vegas conference, Google unveiled plans to embed AI into health initiatives. These include AI-supported language models for medical exams and enhanced health data analysis tools. These initiatives aim to enhance the way consumers search for health information online. Additionally, they provide developers with new tools to create health apps globally.
AI Innovations and practical solutions
Cape Town's Africa Health Exhibition showcased advanced digital health solutions, with a focus on practical implementation. Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander noted that the Western Cape's tech ecosystem is making strides in 3D printing and AI for vaccine and health research. This contributes to the growth of health-tech startups in the region.
Health MEC Mireille Wenger emphasised the event's significance in showcasing Africa’s potential to adopt these innovative solutions sustainably. She highlighted the economic benefits already seen. Specifically, the health-tech sector is contributing R1.7bn to the local economy and supporting 2,500 full-time jobs.
The role of data in AI health solutions
Speakers at the congress emphasised the importance of data governance in the successful deployment of AI. Chris Fourie emphasised that effective use of AI requires accessible, well-governed health data across Africa. He also called for collective digital platforms and secure data-sharing mechanisms.
Advocating for regional cooperation to establish safe, sustainable data infrastructures, Fourie remarked that data accessibility needs to be better prioritised. Particularly, health data accessibility should be better funded.
Pushing AI integration and digital health in Africa
Mories Atoki, CEO of ABCHealth, called on governments and the health community to embrace AI and digital tools to improve Africa’s healthcare system. Atoki believes that proactive engagement with AI could yield transformative results. Thus, she urged the health sector to keep pace with global advancements.
He said if healthcare in Africa hasn’t worked optimally for over two decades, we must do something differently. We must reimagine the possible and be creative and innovative.
AI’s potential to transform healthcare is immense, and Africa is uniquely positioned to leverage these technologies for meaningful change. From improved patient tracking to advanced diagnostics and data-driven solutions, AI can address longstanding challenges in African healthcare. However, regional stakeholders must support data access, governance, and digital innovation.