AI healthcare in Africa: Scaling challenges and opportunities

The healthcare landscape in Africa is undergoing a transformation with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into medical services. AI has emerged as a game-changer, revolutionizing the delivery and accessibility of healthcare services across the continent. From improving diagnostic accuracy to enhancing patient engagement, AI-driven healthcare solutions are offering immense promise for the future of healthcare in Africa. However, the journey to scale these innovations across diverse markets in Africa is not without its challenges. Shamim Nabuuma Kaliisa, Co-founder of Chil FemTech Center, sheds light on the scaling challenges that need to be addressed to shape the future of Africa's healthcare ecosystem. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, she emphasized the impact of AI on improving access to healthcare services, especially in remote areas where access to healthcare professionals is limited. One of the significant challenges highlighted by Kaliisa is the regulatory landscape in Africa. With each country having its own set of regulations, healthcare startups like Chil FemTech Center face the daunting task of complying with diverse regulatory frameworks. This not only adds complexity to operations but also increases the costs associated with adhering to different regulations across multiple countries. Another key challenge that Kaliisa points out is the lack of internet connectivity in rural areas targeted by their healthcare services. Access to the internet is crucial for delivering AI-driven healthcare solutions, and the absence of reliable internet infrastructure poses a barrier to reaching individuals in remote locations. Moreover, funding remains a major challenge for healthcare startups in Africa. Despite the pressing need to expand services and reach more individuals, the scarcity of funding opportunities hinders the growth and scalability of innovative healthcare solutions like those provided by Chil FemTech Center. However, Kaliisa remains optimistic and outlines strategic plans to overcome these challenges. By partnering with telecom companies to improve internet connectivity in remote areas, Chil FemTech Center aims to enhance access to healthcare services for underserved populations. Additionally, the company prioritizes compliance with regulations in different countries to maintain a positive reputation and establish credibility with governments and stakeholders. In terms of investment strategies, Kaliisa emphasizes the importance of generating returns for investors while ensuring the delivery of essential healthcare services. By demonstrating the financial viability of their services, Chil FemTech Center aims to attract investors and secure funding to support the expansion of their AI-driven healthcare solutions. Furthermore, Kaliisa highlights the role of public-private partnerships in driving growth in the health sector using AI technologies. By collaborating with government entities, such as ministries of health, Chil FemTech Center can leverage existing infrastructure and resources to reach more individuals in need of healthcare services. Through partnerships with governments, the company can facilitate access to healthcare professionals and specialists, especially for individuals in rural areas where medical expertise is limited. An example of successful government partnership cited by Kaliisa is their collaboration with the government of Burundi. By working together, Chil FemTech Center enables doctors to use their platform to connect with patients in remote areas and provide specialized care, including consultations with oncologists, gynecologists, and obstetricians. This partnership demonstrates the potential of AI-driven healthcare solutions to bridge the gap in healthcare access and improve health outcomes for underserved communities. As Africa's healthcare ecosystem continues to evolve, the integration of AI technologies presents both challenges and opportunities for healthcare innovation. By addressing regulatory barriers, improving infrastructure, securing funding, and fostering partnerships, healthcare startups like Chil FemTech Center are paving the way for a future where quality healthcare is accessible to all Africans, regardless of their geographic location or economic status.