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Revolutionizing African Healthcare

The AI Promise?

Revolutionizing African Healthcare

October 14, 2024

World Health Summit, Berlin

AI is projected to generate $1.2 trillion in economic growth for Africa and could revolutionize healthcare systems across the continent. This rapidly evolving technology is significantly disrupting the healthcare landscape by tackling critical challenges such as disease outbreaks, structural inequalities, and shortages of qualified professionals. AI has the potential to address barriers to accessibility and affordability, while harnessing data to improve and expand access to quality health services.

However, practical issues regarding the adoption of AI in Africa’s healthcare sector, such as the lack of quality data, limited technical skills, and inadequate digital infrastructure, impede the long-term sustainability of successful existing AI projects. Our Circle at the World Health Summit therefore explored the greatest potential of AI to transform health systems in Africa, showcasing best practices and discussing strategies to overcome these challenges.

Dr. Ricardo Baptista Leite at the Circle „Revolutionizing African Healthcare“

Dr. Ricardo Baptista Leite (CEO, HealthAI)

What we need is data that is reliable and that is clean, that is also interoperable and data that is Africa centred.
H.E. Amani Abou-Zeid
Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy & Digitalisation, African Union
Africa has a potential to leap to a future where, using the power of AI, we can help rethink and redesign health systems for tomorrow.
Dr. Ricardo Baptista Leite
CEO, HealthAI

Key Takeaways

  • Data and Digital Divide

    There is a significant data gap between the Global South and the Global North, and data has become the most valuable resource globally. Closing this gap requires policies, laws, and equitable access to technology and digital skills.

  • Trust and Governance

    Building public trust in AI is essential, and this requires transparency, responsible governance, and trustworthy partnerships.

  • AI as a Solution

    AI has the potential to address workforce shortages, especially in healthcare, and could become the greatest equalizer of our time if used fairly and responsibly.

  • Collaboration and Ownership

    Effective AI implementation depends on collaboration across sectors, with a focus on African data ownership and creating region-specific standards to ensure equitable outcomes.

Contact Persons

Rhoda Berger, r.berger@globalperspectives.org

Supported by

WHS World Health Summit

BDI The Voice of German Industry

German Health Alliance

Circle

We believe in proximity building trust. Our most personal format therefore offers the opportunity to deepen the knowledge of our high-ranking guests in a small circle, together with an exchange of experiences, in dialogue.

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