Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-04-15 11:09:36
Dr. Rose Nakasi, a pioneer in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), has dedicated her career to leveraging technology to address societal challenges. With a PhD in computer science focusing on AI, Dr. Nakasi saw an opportunity to utilize AI in the healthcare sector to improve disease diagnosis and treatment.
In countries like Uganda, diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and cancer pose significant health threats due to challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Misdiagnosis, often caused by overworked technicians or lack of advanced equipment, can lead to improper treatment and even drug resistance. To combat these issues, Dr. Nakasi and her team developed an AI software tool that aids in faster and more accurate disease diagnosis.
The AI model works by using smartphones to capture images of pathogens and analyze them for characteristics specific to each disease. By collaborating with medical personnel, Dr. Nakasi’s team was able to train the AI model to recognize patterns and features associated with various diseases. In testing, the AI model consistently provided accurate and reliable diagnoses, reducing the risk of human error.
Furthermore, the AI model helps alleviate the strain on healthcare workers by reducing the number of examinations they must conduct daily. By following World Health Organization standards for microscopy practices, the AI tool ensures that technicians do not exceed safe limits for reviewing patient slides, thereby minimizing fatigue and errors.
The application of AI in healthcare extends beyond disease diagnosis. Dr. Nakasi and her team are also exploring the use of AI in detecting cervical cancer through histopathology analysis. By analyzing tissue samples for malignancy indicators, the AI model can assist pathologists in making more accurate diagnoses, especially in regions where access to trained professionals is limited.
Dr. Nakasi firmly believes that AI has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare sector by providing personalized treatment plans and streamlining medical processes. By leveraging AI to analyze individual patient data, medical professionals can make more informed decisions regarding treatment options, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
As a female leader in STEM, Dr. Nakasi encourages women to pursue careers in technology and science without hesitation. She believes that women have a vital role to play in driving innovation and contributing to the advancement of society. By embracing opportunities in fields like AI, women can bring valuable perspectives and solutions to important issues.
With a background in computer science and a passion for using AI to address healthcare challenges, Dr. Rose Nakasi is at the forefront of innovation in Uganda. Through her work at Makerere University and collaborations with healthcare institutions, she continues to make significant strides in developing AI-driven solutions for disease diagnosis and treatment.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
