Funke Alabi, a Nigerian Public Health Advocate and healthcare Information technology expert based in the US, currently serving as CEO at Cohexa and leading the ‘Physician Systems Optimizer Team’ at Tufts Medicine overseeing a multi-hospital health system in Massachusetts, actively advocates for the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning into Nigeria’s healthcare operating system.
In a recent statement, she emphasized the significant potential of AI to transform healthcare in resource-poor settings, particularly in countries like Nigeria and Kenya. Alabi highlighted the widespread use of smartphones and investments in technologies such as mobile health (mHealth), electronic medical records (EMR), and cloud computing, which open up significant opportunities for AI applications, aiming to enhance public health outcomes in low-income countries.
She also addressed the disparity between developed nations and Africa in utilizing AI and Machine Learning for healthcare. She stated, “The country’s AI in Healthcare Market is expected to witness significant growth, surging from $0.01 billion in 2022 to $0.13 billion by 2030, reflecting a notable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 46.22%. With 39,914 operational hospitals and clinics, and major states like Lagos, Katsina, and Benue leading in healthcare facilities, Nigeria is poised for AI-driven advancements in its healthcare sector.”
In conclusion, Alabi suggested collaborations with Nigerian government institutions and healthcare centers, exemplified by partnerships with the Government of Kisumu and Jaramogi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya. These efforts aim to boost operational efficiency, optimize patient data, and enhance cancer treatment quality. With increasing investments from both government and private sectors, the outlook for AI adoption in Nigeria’s healthcare sector appears promising, marking a new era of technological innovation and patient-centered care.
