AstraZeneca has launched an Africa Health Innovation Hub that aims to use science and technology to improve healthcare access on the continent.
According to the firm, the hub would embrace new technology including artificial intelligence, and would focus on education, early diagnosis, technology, and data generation.
It stated that the Africa Health Innovation Hub is part of its ‘A. Catalyst Network’, which is a connected array of over 20 hubs worldwide.
It disclosed that the hub would partner with Tricog Health in Kenya and Medsol AI in South Africa.
In a statement, the Country President, African Cluster, AstraZeneca, Gagan Singh, said, “AstraZeneca aims to strengthen and future-proof health systems across the whole patient journey, ensuring everyone has equitable and affordable access to the life-changing healthcare solutions they need, regardless of where they live.
“The launch of the Africa Health Innovation Hub is a significant step in our goal to unlock digital transformation and innovation in health across the continent, paving the way for patient-centric digital health solutions that leave no one behind.
“By working with partners across the continent, we are nurturing local talent and making quality health care more accessible for all.”
The Chief Executive Officer and Founder of MedSol AI Solutions, Dr Kathryn Malherbe, added, “Medsol AI is excited to be leading one of the inaugural projects of the Africa Innovation Hub, with support from AstraZeneca.
“Breast cancer is a devastating disease, with many women in our communities only able to access late-stage diagnoses. The Melusi Breast AI project will enable us to leverage technology and innovation to improve early diagnostic detection rates and patient outcomes in local clinics, ultimately saving lives.”
The firm stated that its hub would invest in building local talent, promote policy change for cancer screening, close the gaps in healthcare access, and improve the quality of life for patients on the continent, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
