Healthcare professionals, technology experts and policy advocates have called for increased investment in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to strengthen diagnosis, patient care and healthcare delivery systems across developing nations.
The experts made the call during a health innovation forum held in Abuja on Monday, where stakeholders examined the growing role of AI in modern medicine and the challenges limiting its adoption in Nigeria and other African countries.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ibrahim Musa, a public health consultant, said AI had become an important tool in improving diagnostic accuracy, reducing medical errors and supporting healthcare workers in overstretched hospitals.
According to him, AI-powered technologies are increasingly being used globally to detect diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis and cardiovascular conditions at earlier stages, thereby improving survival rates and reducing treatment costs.
“Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept in healthcare. It is already transforming how hospitals diagnose illnesses, monitor patients and manage health records.
“Countries that invest early in AI-driven healthcare systems will improve efficiency and expand access to quality medical services,” he said.
Musa, however, noted that inadequate funding, poor digital infrastructure and limited technical expertise remained major obstacles to the deployment of AI technologies in Nigeria’s health sector.
Also speaking, Mrs. Adaeze Nwosu, a health technology researcher, stressed the need for stronger collaboration between government agencies, universities and private technology firms.
She said partnerships would help local researchers develop affordable AI solutions tailored to African healthcare realities.
Nwosu added that AI tools could assist rural healthcare facilities where shortages of medical specialists continued to affect patient outcomes.
“AI can support frontline health workers by helping them interpret medical scans, predict disease outbreaks and improve patient management, especially in underserved communities,” she said.
She also called for improved data protection policies to ensure that patients’ medical information remained secure as digital health systems expanded.
Another speaker, Prof. Sani Abdullahi, warned that without adequate investment in digital literacy and infrastructure, many health institutions could struggle to benefit from emerging technologies.
He urged policymakers to prioritise broadband expansion, stable electricity supply and specialised training programmes for healthcare workers.
According to Abdullahi, ethical concerns surrounding AI use, including algorithm bias and patient privacy, must also be addressed through effective regulation.
The forum further highlighted the increasing use of AI-powered tools in telemedicine, robotic surgery, drug discovery and hospital administration in advanced economies.
Participants noted that the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated global interest in digital healthcare technologies and demonstrated the importance of innovation in managing public health emergencies.
They urged African governments to create supportive policies that encourage innovation while ensuring equitable access to healthcare technologies.
Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that sustained investment in AI could help bridge healthcare gaps, reduce pressure on medical personnel and improve overall healthcare outcomes in the region.
The event concluded with a recommendation for increased public and private sector funding for digital health research, infrastructure and workforce development.
