AI assessment in healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa
The increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa presents transformative potential for improving healthcare, but its effectiveness and real-world impact require rigorous evaluation. The innovative project led by the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) aims precisely to bridge this gap by promoting robust empirical studies to understand how AI can be best implemented in resource-limited contexts. In Cape Verde, as in many other countries on the continent, the shortage of qualified healthcare professionals, limited access to specialized services, and logistical challenges represent significant barriers to the delivery of quality care. AI emerges as a promising tool to mitigate some of these obstacles, from early disease diagnosis to optimizing hospital resource management.
The research proposed by J-PAL will not be limited to analyzing the theoretical potential of AI, but will seek to quantify its impact in practical scenarios. This will include evaluating AI technologies for detecting diseases such as tuberculosis or malaria through medical images, developing clinical decision support systems for nurses and doctors in remote areas, or using algorithms to predict disease outbreaks and manage drug supply chains. J-PAL's approach is fundamentally evidence-based, using rigorous impact assessment methods to determine which AI interventions effectively result in better health outcomes for the Cape Verdean and African populations. This in-depth analysis will allow for the formulation of more informed and efficient health policies, ensuring that investments in technology translate into tangible benefits for public health.
For Cape Verde, the opportunity to actively participate in this project represents a qualitative leap in how the country can embrace digital innovation in its health strategies. By working together with J-PAL, we will be able to test and adapt AI solutions to our specific needs, ensuring that they are culturally relevant and technically feasible within our ecosystem. The results of this collaboration have the potential to influence health policy across the region, positioning Cape Verde at the forefront of the digital transformation of health in Africa.
Institutions and researchers interested in contributing to or actively participating in AI evaluation studies in health in Sub-Saharan Africa, through the J-PAL initiative, can find more information and details for submitting proposals at the following address: https://www.povertyactionlab.org/initiative/evidence-ai-health-evah-rfpThe deadline for submitting expressions of interest and more detailed proposals ends on 1-04-2026
