New AI Health Partnership Aims to Boost Kenya's Burdened System
Officials say combining AI tools with on-the-ground experience can make quality care more equitable across Kenya.
NAIROBI, Kenya— A new international health collaboration is working to strengthen Kenya's overburdened medical system with artificial intelligence and local expertise, writes Winston Mwale.
Healthcare leaders gathered in Nairobi on 22 February 2024 for a roundtable on “Technology-enabled Health Systems Strengthening” hosted by Vantage Health Technologies and Africa Health Business.
The partnership aims to equip local providers with the latest knowledge and AI skills to address pressing health challenges.
"The government welcomes partners offering digital health and AI solutions," said Bernard Langat of Kenya's Health Ministry. He said the emphasis is on starting initiatives that can be perfected along the way.
Despite progress, Kenya still grapples with inadequate funding, resource shortages and rising costs, alongside low insurance coverage.
While HIV rates have dropped, infections remain high among adolescents and young women.
Kenya is among 30 countries accounting for most of the world's tuberculosis burden, though case-finding improved last fiscal year.
Significant numbers of TB cases are still missed.
Vantage Health Technologies and AHB are launching training programs on medical best practices and technology integration for Kenyan healthcare workers.
The partnership has key goals of advancing AI solutions, working toward universal health coverage by 2030 and creating partnerships scalable beyond Kenya.
"AI will be critical to improving connections between payers and providers, positively impacting the health system,” said Dr. Gakombe Karangaita of the Kenya Healthcare Federation.
Meboh Abuor of the Council of Governors Kenya said sustainable digital health benefits patients and providers.
“There's an urgent need for AI-driven training, especially for community health workers," Abuor added.
The Kenya Red Cross' Mohamed Mohamud said technology must aid fragile systems and reach underserved communities.
“Solutions should have real impact for people who need it most,” he stressed.
Dr. Amit Thakker of AHB said embracing digital health and AI can facilitate sustainable adoption in Kenya’s system.
“African solutions are key for a healthier continent,” Thakker said.
The partnership will engage communities to promote health education, technology use and local involvement for an accessible, patient-centered system.
Vantage Health provides data management and communication for medical professionals treating HIV, TB and malaria. AHB supplies market insights and stakeholder engagement.
Officials say combining AI tools with on-the-ground experience can make quality care more equitable across Kenya.
They aim to show technologies like AI can accelerate progress when strengthening health systems.