Rwanda is set to introduce an AI-based screening system that could allow health authorities to identify people at higher risk of non-communicable diseases and track them for follow-up care.
The system, developed by South African-based IQ Digital Africa, is designed to conduct automated body checks and detect signs linked to diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, kidney and heart conditions and some cancers.
The company says screening data could be linked to hospitals and relevant health authorities, allowing serious cases to be flagged for medical follow-up while also providing officials with data on the pattern of non-communicable diseases.
Dr. Karabo Maleka, director of IQ Digital Africa, said this would allow health authorities to focus more attention on people whose screening results show a higher risk.
“If a person is at high risk based on the signs detected, that person will receive greater attention,” Maleka told IGIHE.
The technology categorises screening results into green, yellow and red alerts. Green indicates no apparent concern, yellow points to less serious signs, while red indicates a serious problem.
Maleka said information from people receiving red alerts would be sent to doctors and health authorities so that they could be followed up.
The company argues that the system could also help address a shortage of health workers available to conduct screening, while reducing waiting times for patients seeking checks.
“It will mean people no longer have to queue for screening services,” Maleka said.
He added that the system would allow health authorities to obtain more timely information about non-communicable diseases and use it when planning interventions.
IQ Digital Africa has received approval from Rwanda FDA for its screening machines to operate in Rwanda.
Eight Rwandans have been trained on the technology and will initially support the company’s activities in the country.
The company is now expected to complete its registration in Rwanda and begin discussions with institutions that will be involved in its operations before signing cooperation agreements.
