Email this article 
Hide
Show all
Review Article - Special Collection: Transforming African LDS with DT and AI
Impact of artificial intelligence and digital technology-based diagnostic tools for communicable and non-communicable diseases in Africa
Submitted: 03 June 2024 | Published: 21 November 2024
About the author(s)
Chikwelu L. Obi, School of Science and Technology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South AfricaJoshua O. Olowoyo, Department of Health Sciences and The Water School, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, Florida, United States; and Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
Thembinkosi D. Malevu, Department of Physics, School of Science and Technology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa; and Department of Physics, School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, North-West University, Mahikeng, South Africa
Lizwe L. Mugivhisa, Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
Taurai Hungwe, Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, School of Science and Technology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
Modupe O. Ogunrombi, Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
Nqobile M. Mkolo, Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
Abstract
Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology, as advanced human-created tools, are influencing the healthcare sector.
Aim: This review provides a comprehensive and structured exploration of the opportunities presented by AI and digital technology to laboratory diagnostics and management of communicable and non-communicable diseases in Africa.
Methods: The study employed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews, Meta-Analyses guidelines and Bibliometric analysis as its methodological approach. Peer-reviewed publications from 2000 to 2024 were retrieved from PubMed®, Web of Science™ and Google Scholar databases.
Results: The study incorporated a total of 1563 peer-reviewed scientific documents and, after filtration, 37 were utilised for systematic review. The findings revealed that AI and digital technology play a key role in patient management, quality assurance and laboratory operations, including healthcare decision-making, disease monitoring and prognosis. Metadata reflected the disproportionate research outputs distribution across Africa. In relation to non-communicable diseases, Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco lead in cardiovascular, diabetes and cancer research. Representing communicable diseases research, Algeria, Egypt, and South Africa were prominent in HIV/AIDS research. South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Egypt lead in malaria and tuberculosis research.
Conclusion: Facilitation of widespread adoption of AI and digital technology in laboratory diagnostics across Africa is critical for maximising patient benefits. It is recommended that governments in Africa allocate more funding for infrastructure and research on AI to serve as a catalyst for innovation.
What this study adds: This review provides a comprehensive and context-specific analysis of AI’s application in African healthcare.
Keywords
Sustainable Development Goal
Metrics
Total abstract views: 320Total article views: 178