Harnessing AI for Healthcare: A New Dawn for South Africa

By Sumona Bose

February 7, 2024

The Need for AI-Driven Healthcare Policy in South Africa

South Africa’s healthcare sector is on the brink of a transformative era, with artificial intelligence (AI) at its helm. However, the current policy frameworks are ill-equipped to foster innovation in this burgeoning field. Five key issues demand immediate attention: outdated legislation, data and algorithmic bias, workforce impact, liability dilemmas, and a dearth of AI system innovation. The establishment of a comprehensive national policy framework addressing these concerns is crucial for the safe, responsible, and regulated adoption of AI in healthcare.

The Innovation Gap: AI Patenting in South Africa

A closer look at the patenting activity within AI in South Africa reveals a stark reality. Despite the country being listed in over 9,000 AI patent applications between 2012 and 2021, only ten patents were filed from within South Africa. This disparity underscores the need for an enabling environment that promotes the development of complex cognitive and creative AI systems.

Public Sector Data: The Key to AI-Driven Healthcare

One of the significant hurdles to AI development in Africa is data availability and the costs associated with its acquisition. The National Digital Health Strategy for South Africa 2019 – 2024 identifies the development of a patient electronic health record as a key priority. This record system could provide a wealth of high-quality data to train AI systems, alleviating the significant investment and effort required to curate non-optimised data.

The concept of using public sector data to develop, train, and improve AI-enabled systems is not new. The Declaration of Cooperation on Artificial Intelligence, ratified by 25 European countries in 2018, saw member states agree to ensure better access to public sector data to fuel AI development.

However, access to sensitive health data raises privacy and security concerns. A robust legal framework or governance system is needed to encourage innovation while preserving patient privacy and security. A federated data system, where data do not leave the participating organisation but can be accessed by authorised individuals to train algorithms, could be the solution.

Conclusion

The establishment of a public sector data institution, alongside the proposed patient electronic record, could incentivise the development and deployment of AI for use in healthcare in South Africa. By providing developers with secure and safe access to health data, we can respect the rights to intellectual property and digital authenticity.

Reference url

Recent Posts

lenacapavir HIV prevention
      

Lenacapavir HIV Prevention: Approval and Access Strategy Updates

🌍 *Could a twice-yearly shot revolutionize HIV prevention?*
Gilead Sciences has submitted key applications to the EMA for lenacapavir, a groundbreaking HIV-1 capsid inhibitor designed for use as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). With promising trial results indicating a significant reduction in HIV infections, this innovation could enhance adherence to prevention strategies globally. Discover more about this game-changing development!

#SyenzaNews #globalhealth #healthcareInnovation

Africa health partnership
      

Strengthening Africa Health Partnership

🌍 Can collaboration redefine Africa’s health landscape?

A newly signed Memorandum of Understanding between Africa CDC and Global Health EDCTP3 promises to enhance health research, clinical trials, and pandemic preparedness on the continent. With a focus on training, local manufacturing, and equitable partnerships, this initiative aims to address pressing global health challenges while improving health outcomes across Africa.

Look into the details of this transformative partnership and its implications for the future of healthcare in the region!

#SyenzaNews #globalhealth #HealthcareInnovation

breast cancer Africa
    

Urgent Call for Enhanced Breast Cancer Africa Control Measures

🚨 Are we doing enough to tackle the imminent breast cancer crisis in Africa?

A recent WHO report reveals alarming trends, predicting that 135,000 women could succumb to breast cancer by 2040 unless urgent actions are taken. The report highlights critical gaps in healthcare infrastructure and capacity, emphasizing the need for investment in screening programs and professional training to improve outcomes across the continent.

Review the full article to explore the necessary steps towards reinforcing breast cancer control measures in Africa.

#SyenzaNews #globalhealth #oncology #HealthTech

When you partner with Syenza, it’s like a Nuclear Fusion.

Our expertise are combined with yours, and we contribute clinical expertise and advanced degrees in health policy, health economics, systems analysis, public finance, business, and project management. You’ll also feel our high-impact global and local perspectives with cultural intelligence.

SPEAK WITH US

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS

1950 W. Corporate Way, Suite 95478
Anaheim, CA 92801, USA

© 2025 Syenza™. All rights reserved.