Exploring the Potential Role of Artificial Intelligence in Rwanda’s Healthcare Sector

At the e3 International Cancer Conference held in Kigali, experts underscored the significant impact that Artificial Intelligence (AI) could have on healthcare services, particularly in the field of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Brian de Francesca, a healthcare leader with training from Johns Hopkins, highlighted the existing underutilization of healthcare information. He emphasized that while healthcare generates a substantial amount of data—accounting for about 30% of the world's data—only a small fraction, approximately three percent, is effectively utilized.

De Francesca pointed out that with medical knowledge doubling approximately every 73 days, it is challenging for healthcare professionals to keep pace with the latest advancements. However, he expressed optimism about the potential of AI and machine learning to address this issue by leveraging vast amounts of data to enhance decision-making processes.One key aspect discussed was AI's role in diagnosis, pre-operative strategies, and surgical interventions. By analyzing complex datasets, AI algorithms can assist healthcare providers in identifying patterns, predicting disease progression, and personalizing treatment plans for patients.

De Francesca emphasized the transformative potential of AI, envisioning a future where frontline physicians, general practitioners, and family medicine doctors have access to comprehensive medical knowledge, diagnostic tools, treatment options, and patient outcomes across various specialties. This access would essentially empower healthcare professionals to become "super specialists," equipped with the necessary information to deliver optimized care to their patients.Overall, the discussions at the conference highlighted AI's potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery by maximizing the utilization of health data, accelerating medical decision-making, and ultimately improving patient outcomes.

De Francesca highlighted the potential impact of AI on healthcare accessibility in Africa, emphasizing that it could provide more people with improved access to medical knowledge and resources. He predicted that with the evolution of AI, medical education could become more efficient, cost-effective, and accessible to a larger segment of the population. This transformation could lead to a reduction in the duration of medical education due to streamlined learning processes, ultimately contributing to addressing the global healthcare worker shortage.

Dr. Jacques Marescaux, founder of IRCAD and an expert in minimally invasive surgeries, echoed the importance of AI in healthcare, particularly in the early detection of tumors, diagnosis, and surgical interventions. His insights underscored the multifaceted role that AI can play in improving healthcare outcomes, from enhancing diagnostic accuracy to facilitating advanced surgical techniques.Dr. Jacques Marescaux emphasized the crucial role of artificial intelligence (AI) in every aspect of surgery, highlighting the significance of accurate diagnosis and strategic planning.

He noted that AI can aid in detecting undetected tumors, leading to more precise diagnoses.Using the example of gastric cancer, Dr. Marescaux explained that traditional diagnosis without AI can be challenging due to the complexity of the stomach. However, advancements in technology, particularly in China, have made it possible to automate the diagnosis of early gastric cancer.He cited the company HiThink, which boasts approximately 4000 AI engineers, as an example.

According to Dr. Marescaux, their AI system outperforms gastric oncologists in accurately diagnosing early gastric cancer, showcasing the potential of AI to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.Dr. Emmanuel Rudakemwa, a chief consultant radiologist at Rwanda Military Hospital, highlighted the role of technology in enhancing healthcare in Rwanda. He emphasized the importance of infrastructure, equipment, and quality human resources in managing conditions like cancer, noting existing gaps in these areas.

Dr. Rudakemwa commended the Rwandan government's innovative solutions to address human resource capacity challenges, including leveraging AI, computing, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to support healthcare delivery.He cited examples of technology adoption in healthcare, such as the use of robotics during the Covid-19 pandemic for temperature measurement at airports. Dr. Rudakemwa emphasized the importance of leveraging Rwanda's investment in digital infrastructure to address healthcare challenges effectively.

While acknowledging that AI may not replace human healthcare providers in the near future, Dr. Rudakemwa highlighted its potential to streamline workflows and improve efficiency.Dr. Theoneste Maniragaba, an oncologist and program director for cancer diseases at Rwanda Biomedical Centre, underscored the increasing incidence of cancer in Rwanda. He emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and preventive measures to address this growing health challenge.Dr. Theoneste Maniragaba highlighted the significant cancer burden in Rwanda, with approximately 5,000 cases registered in 2022. He noted that breast and cervical cancer were among the most prevalent types, often diagnosed at advanced stages when curative treatment options are limited.

Vestine Mukeshimana, the Country Director of WaterAid Rwanda, emphasized the critical role of clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in preventing infections and supporting cancer patients. She explained that contaminated water serves as a pathway for pathogenic microbes, which can compromise the immune system of individuals, including cancer patients. Mukeshimana stressed the importance of maintaining proper WASH practices to protect vulnerable populations, such as cancer patients, from opportunistic infections and ensure their overall well-being.