The potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionise healthcare, especially in Nigeria has been significantly emphasised. Melissa Jones, the Mission Director for United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Nigeria, states that the country can improve its life expectancy by incorporating artificial intelligence into its healthcare systems. During the Global Inclusivity and AI: Africa conference in Lagos, Jones spoke the panel talk on “Health: Using AI for Healthcare Innovation”, emphasising how essential Technology is for optimising medical systems, enhancing patient results, and alleviating the challenges of infectious diseases in the country.
Artificial intelligence can tackle several issues facing the nation’s healthcare system. AI’s potential influence could be revolutionary by enhancing the organisation of patient records and improving data management, providing more precise insights into disease patterns, and speeding up the development of Vaccines and medications. Jones emphasised that proper integration of artificial intelligence through a collaborative approach between the public and private sectors has the potential to elevate medical quality. This advancement could decrease disease-related death rates and increase life expectancy.
Technology is enhancing medical care systems around the world.
Infectious diseases account for 25% of deaths in Nigeria, and AI-powered interventions could help lower this figure. Jones states HIV is a case where technology is revolutionising medical care globally, contributing to vaccine creation and assisting in monitoring those without access to testing and treatment. Ever since PEPFAR was initiated in 2003, USAID has been actively fighting against HIV. According to Jones, introducing AI can improve these initiatives by identifying at-risk individuals and ensuring effective viral control. However, embracing inclusivity is essential for unlocking technology’s capabilities within the medical sector.
To optimise AI’s performance, there must be an increased emphasis on broadening health Insurance access and effectively utilising population-specific data. This approach would also lead to clearer insight into the expenses associated with medical care measures, including those tied to HIV, neonatal services, or childbirth. Artificial intelligence has the potential to assist health organisations in assessing current expenses and facilitating more insightful, data-informed choices to improve medical results. Jones argued for comprehensive reform in managing the nation’s medical system. She contended that the Health Ministry should prioritise recruiting individuals with backgrounds in business and Finance instead of depending on doctors to oversee the sector.
Financial expertise is needed in healthcare management.
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly significant in the medical sector, she emphasised the importance of financial knowledge in managing the complexities of tech-enhanced medical operations and maintaining the industry’s efficiency. She asserts that the Private Sector is essential in addition to government reforms. Rather than concentrating on health service provision, private providers should seek avenues for investing in technology advancements, helping in the industry’s rapid transformation. Thailand’s medical development is an example of its dedication to universal health coverage (UHC), which was initiated in the 1970s.
Currently, Thailand showcases enhanced health results, which the nation might replicate by adopting a similar strategy for technology integration. Jones recognised that the nation encounters distinct challenges, especially with a large segment of its population under 24 years old. Since medical expenses tend to rise with older citizens, Nigeria’s ongoing struggles in overseeing its medical system are proving to be quite costly. Artificial intelligence could play a vital role in addressing these challenges through predictive analytics and enhanced resource allocation, guaranteeing that medical investments are directed to areas of greatest necessity. She emphasised that the nation has the necessary skills, innovations, and facilities to create a quality medical care system.
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However, inefficiencies, along with an increasing trend in medical tourism, are hindering progress. Many individuals travel abroad for medical care, and she pointed out that this situation is concerning. She believes the solution lies in ensuring that individuals stay within the nation for medical services and enhancing the healthcare system to align with global standards, providing the equivalent level of care that individuals expect abroad. She emphasised that the COVID-19 crisis underscored the necessity for a strong medical infrastructure. The pandemic revealed that economic advancement cannot occur without healthy citizens. Thus, it is crucial to incorporate technology to enhance public health.