Experts Seek AI Integration To Strengthen Health Research

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Medical experts and global health partners have advocated strategic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and local capacity building to sustain public health research and data management in Nigeria.

The stakeholders made this known at the 4th Annual Scientific Symposium organised by the International Research Centre of Excellence (IRCE), Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN), Monday in Abuja, with stakeholders examining innovation.

The two-day symposium was themed: “Shaping the Future of Public Health Research: Sustainable Funding, AI/ML & Innovation,” and focused on technology-driven solutions for sustainable scientific research and healthcare delivery across Africa.

Speaking via a recorded message, IHVN Chief Executive Officer, Dr Patrick Dakum, said data-driven innovation and technology were crucial to addressing emerging and future public health threats in Nigeria.

“This symposium will stimulate your minds, especially the young researchers, to think and carry out basic research, implementation research, and innovations related to AI and public health,” Dakum said.

He said the 22-year-old institute established IRCE after recognising that rigorous local research was vital to effective public health implementation and sustainable healthcare development across Nigeria and Africa.

Dakum, who referenced IRCE’s decade-long journey of excellence, said the Federal Government had introduced measures, including a sector-wide approach, to promote health system sustainability and strengthen healthcare delivery nationwide.

Prof. Alash’le Abimiku, Executive Director, IRCE, said dwindling international research funding necessitated adoption of advanced technologies to sustain scientific research, innovation and local solutions across Africa and Nigeria.

“Global…