Health experts at the 11th Artificial Intelligence AI conference have called for the collaboration of relevant authorities to explore opportunities in digital health for effective healthcare delivery.
They made the call in Abuja at a panel session on the 2023 Insight Learning Forum with theme :Digital Innovations in Public Health Practice: Lessons and Impact organised by an NGO in Abuja.
One of the panelists Atef Fawaz, who is also the Executive Director E-health Africa, identified electricity as a major constraints against improving digital health in Nigeria with high maternal mortality rate especially at the rural area.
Fawaz who is also the Executive Director, Ehealth Africa emphasized that accurate information is required as well as energy towards ensuring that nation’s in Africa get it right and compete favourably with their counterparts globally.
He expressed regret that, Some stakeholders who are willing to explore the use of renewable energy are restrained due to limited resources, poor electricity supply and as most of this clean energy sources are not cheap.
Fawaz said Artificial Intelligence requires fielding it with correct information that would ensure adequate utilization in getting accurate results using data, for effective healthcare delivery.
“As artificial intelligence becomes more widely adopted, so too does the number of ways the technology is being used across industries. Researchers don’t expect AI to replace health care professionals just yet. Instead, they see it as supporting and improving the work of health providers and professionals in the near future”.
Also speaking, Mr Jamil Galadanci, Senior Manager, Software Engineering of the Global Health Informatics Units in the NGO said the organisation invented a Logistics Management Information System (LoMIS) to address supply chain challenges especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Earlier convener of the conference Dr. Evans Woherem said the program was aimed at awakening Africa to the competitive existential risks and realities of AI, for effective planning to meet the ehealth demands of the 21st century.
