Interview with Georges Bediang: Artificial Intelligence at the Service of Medicine in Cameroon 🤖

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In an interview with us, Georges Bediang, Professor of Medical Informatics at the University of Yaoundé I, explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine, while highlighting the challenges and opportunities that this technology brings to Africa, and particularly to Cameroon.

What is Artificial Intelligence based on machine learning in medicine? 🤖

The rise of AI today is largely based on machine learning, a technology that allows machines to evolve autonomously by analyzing vast amounts of data. This advancement opens up new possibilities, particularly in the medical field, where AI could transform diagnostics by facilitating the detection and classification of diseases with unprecedented precision. Professor Bediang’s reflections:

« The AI currently making headlines is based on machine learning. The idea behind it is to provide access to large volumes of data and harness the potential of machines and computing tools to autonomously categorize and identify various pathologies. »

What are the benefits in medicine? 🩺

AI offers multiple benefits in the field of medicine. The first is decision support. The basic premise is that humans, including healthcare professionals, often have limited capabilities in certain contexts. They can, therefore, leverage these tools to improve decision-making in diagnosis, treatment, and patient monitoring.

The second application is in predictive medicine, where the goal is to use this data to anticipate the progression of certain diseases in patients or, after treatment, to monitor the evolution of their condition. The third application pertains to precision medicine, which increasingly relies on individual patient data. This allows for personalized treatments, based on each patient’s specific characteristics. Other applications include robotics, with the creation of robots that can support patients in disease management or help them understand medical prescriptions.

In conclusion, AI is revolutionizing the medical field by enhancing decision-making, enabling predictive medicine, and fostering personalized treatments. These advancements, combined with robotic technologies, offer promising solutions to optimize care and meet patients’ specific needs, paving the way for a more effective and tailored healthcare future.

What challenges does it face in Africa and particularly in Cameroon? 🌍

The adoption of AI in healthcare faces several key obstacles. First, the lack of digital infrastructure complicates access to essential data for researchers and healthcare professionals, limiting the development of efficient algorithms. Furthermore, the absence of an appropriate legislative framework creates ambiguity in the use of these technologies. Users may also harbor reservations about the reliability of AI-driven decisions. Lastly, the need for specialized training and the lack of models adapted to local specificities pose additional challenges. It is therefore essential to implement strategies to overcome these barriers and ensure successful AI integration in healthcare. Professor Bediang elaborates on these challenges in Africa:

« The first challenge we face is infrastructural. We do not have sufficient digital infrastructure to provide essential data for researchers, healthcare professionals, and computer scientists to implement effective AI algorithms. There is also a legislative challenge, as there is no clearly defined framework for using AI in our context. Additionally, there are challenges related to trust, particularly regarding the confidence users may have in these AI-driven decisions. Finally, there are challenges related to training, as there is very little training in our context, and challenges in research. These tools require that teams develop efficient models adapted to local data. It is necessary for research teams to develop strategies to create these channels. »

What opportunities exist for Cameroon? 💡

In terms of opportunities, Cameroon benefits from a digital health strategy implemented in 2020. This strategy aims to develop the tools and organization needed to promote digital health in the country.

Another opportunity is related to the epidemiological transition. Cameroon faces a dual burden, not only from epidemic diseases but also from non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. These are often chronic conditions that require comprehensive patient information to improve treatments and, where possible, offer personalized care. A third opportunity is related to the gradual implementation of universal health coverage in Cameroon. This project will require digital tools to collect patient information and prevent fraud.

Making this wealth of information available will provide sufficient data on a national scale. This data, covering millions of individuals, will allow for the creation of efficient algorithms to enhance patient care, including in financial terms.

In summary 🟰

To sum up, Cameroon has key opportunities to integrate AI into the healthcare sector thanks to its digital health strategy adopted in 2020. The epidemiological transition and the implementation of universal health coverage underscore the need to collect accurate patient data. By leveraging these assets, the country can develop efficient algorithms to improve patient care and the quality of healthcare services.

Your Opinion Matters!!! What do you think about using artificial intelligence to improve healthcare in Africa? Is it a solution for the future, or a challenge too complex to overcome? Let us know in the comments ☺️