A three day symposium aimed at Harnessing Artificial Intelligence And Digital One Health DOH, to Strengthen the Health-care System in Cameroon, is ongoing at the Amphi 500 of the faculty of Health Sciences in the University of Buea.
Organized by DIGICARE Cameroon, the symposium which started on Wednesday 07-07-2024, has brought together experts in Artificial Intelligence, from the University of Buea and University of Ngoaundere, who are presenting and analysing results of research work on how AI can facilitate health care in Cameroon.
Presenting on the readiness of local Communities to use AI and DOH control of Emerging and Re-emerging infectious Desease, Randolf Fuanghene, noted that 57.60% of 1614 interviewed in Buea, Limbe in the South-West and Bonassama and New Bell Health District in the Litoral, are willing to adopt AI for health care services.
In another presentation by Denis Nkweteyim, on assessment of E-Health Technology Readiness of Health-care institution in Cameroon, he noted that the widespread use of Digital Health Technologies-DHTs, in Health-care in Cameroon is inevitable in the near future.
While experts at the symposium have agreed that AI is the way forward as it saves time, reduce costs, improve on decision making, others have expressed skepticism that AI could soon cause high unemployment, laziness and wrong decision making. More educational campaigns ,and training programs have been recommended.It is also worth noting that the research work is part of a grant won by the DigiCARE forum sponsored by IDRC.
Also the DIGICARE project to last for five years which started last year is Championed by some of the best Cameroonian researchers from both universities working to bring Health Care system closer to the people.
This project include Faculty of Health science,faculty of Science from the university of Buea and Ngaoundere’s Department of Veterinary medicine and Science.
The University Dons are working to create a mobile Application where people can consult and a medical personnel will come and administer treatment in their homes based on the results of the consultation carried out via the Mobile Application. Its objectives will be to generate information and bring healthcare closer to the people through the App.
Also the experts hope that they can be able to prevent and prepare for any epidemic, forster gender equality and empowerment of women and girls.
The program sponsored by the Canadian government to the tune of over 366,000 Canadian dollars involves five hubs in Africa Sub-Saharan Africa, namely; Cameroon, Senegal, Ghana, Ethiopia and South Africa, and 16 hubs across the world.
Experts have appreciated the move which will bring health care closer to the People for health is Wealth.
The symposium will end on 09-07-2024.
