KIGALI, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Africa HealthTech Summit opened in Kigali, the Rwandan capital, Tuesday with a call for health professionals and innovators to leverage healthcare technology to build resilience and improve health systems across African communities.
The third edition of the Africa HealthTech Summit, running from Oct. 29 to 31, drew ministers of health and ICT, leading tech innovators and healthcare professionals from across the continent.
Held under the theme of "Innovating for Community Health Unleashing the Power of AI," the delegates will explore ways to realize the potential of innovations like artificial intelligence, the internet of things, robotics, drones and blockchain to tackle Africa's most pressing health challenges.
Speaking at the summit, Rwandan Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana urged healthcare professionals to leverage healthcare technology for safety and disease detection across the continent.
He highlighted Rwanda's commitment to adopting health tech innovation, citing an electronic medical record system and a health intelligence center with AI-driven insights, advancing efforts geared at ensuring sustainable, tech-driven healthcare solutions in Africa.
Cyril Seck, digital strategy adviser at Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), said digital health solutions are critical in strengthening early detection and rapid response which are key to a resilient healthcare system for Africa. He said the Africa CDC remains committed to enhancing public health institutions across the continent through strategic partnerships and innovative approaches.
Sean Broomhead, chief executive officer at Health Information System Program South Africa, said AI has the power to optimize patient care across Africa, with the potential to fill diagnostic gaps.
"Strategic choices are essential to ensure AI's most beneficial applications, with patient needs at the forefront," he said. "Data and healthcare worker training are critical pillars in the successful adoption of AI-driven solutions."
Participants noted that strengthening partnerships across sectors is key to building robust health systems ready for real-time response. ■