African Women Innovators Use AI for Health Solutions

African women innovators are leveraging artificial intelligence and smart technologies to tackle significant health and agricultural challenges across the continent. During a webinar hosted by Africa Science Dialogue, Rose Nakasi, a researcher at Makerere AI Health Lab and lecturer at Makerere University, presented AI-powered tools aimed at improving disease diagnosis in Uganda, where diseases like malaria and cervical cancer strain the health system.

Her team has developed a 3D-printable adapter that connects smartphones to microscopes, achieving 92% specificity for malaria and over 94% accuracy for cervical cancer diagnostics. This technology is being integrated into Uganda's health system, with over 150 laboratory technicians trained.

In Rwanda, Clemence Uwamutarambirwa is enhancing potato production with her Smart Potato Greenhouse Technology, which utilizes sensors and cloud-based analytics for remote monitoring. Margaret Karembu, director of ISAAA AfriCenter, emphasized the importance of broader support for women's participation in science and technology, highlighting the need for collaboration from male colleagues and institutional leaders.