By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
Creating a positive contribution with respect to access to health care and health information using artificial intelligence and digital one health, the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea (UB) and the University of Ngaoundere have organised a DigiCare Cameroon Symposium.
Held under the theme, “harnessing artificial intelligence and digital one health to strengthen the health care systems in Cameroon”, the symposium which took place at the Amphitheatre 500 at the Faculty of Health Sciences recently, brought together faculty, staff and students of the University.
In his welcome address, the representative of the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, UB, Prof. Nsagha Shey Dickson stated that “By this project, we are trying to bring the health care system closer to the home because during the Covid-19 for instance, we realised that the health care system all over the world was failing because people could not visit health facilities. So we are developing an app that we can bring treatment closer and we are also collecting data using machine learning that we can make predictions and know when epidemics may arise so that we can prepare, prevent and mitigate”, he said.
The representative of the Vice Chancellor of UB, Prof. Egbe Andrew noted that the symposium is of prime importance as it will help to bring the community closer to health care systems in Cameroon. “AI and digital one health are not just concepts but practical tools that can transform our health system. This symposium represents a critical step towards integrating these innovative technologies into health care systems ensuring that we are prepared to tackle both current and future health challenges”.
Talking to the press, Prof. Nsagha Shey Dickson said, “currently on this project we have collected baseline data on the readiness of the population to use artificial intelligence and digital one health and we are conducting feasibility studies so that we can get accurate data from the health system. The foundation has been laid and in the next 6 months, we will be bringing the app closer to the people so that it can be used. The app will be free to enable every Cameroonian have access to it and this will help transform the health care system”.
Thematic areas focused during the 3 day symposium included; AI, one health, digital one health, community engagement, inter-university collaboration, emerging infectious diseases, re-emerging infectious diseases, epidemic and pandemic preparations.
Presenting the DigiCare Cameroon project was the principal investigator, Prof. Shey Dickson who noted that the project was launched in November 2023 at the University of Buea. Stating the level of implementation of AI in Cameroon, he revealed that Cameroon Universities are in the process of developing courses for AI and there is interest in incorporating AI education at the secondary school level.