On Friday, 21st February 2025, the Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA) Association hosted a pivotal seminar at its West Africa Headquarters, Labadi Trade Fair. The event, focusing on AI in healthcare, gathered key stakeholders to discuss AI’s potential in diagnosis and treatment deployment across West Africa.
The keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Paulina Denteh, CEO of the Remedy Foundation and a medical doctor. Her address, titled “Advancing AI Diagnosis and Treatment: Building a Framework for Healthcare Transformation”, highlighted the transformative power of AI in healthcare.
Dr. Denteh emphasized that AI is no longer a future concept but a present reality. She envisioned a future Ghana where AI systems help doctors detect diseases early, rural communities access specialist consultations via telemedicine, and hospitals predict essential supply shortages. AI’s potential, she said, could revolutionize healthcare if we act decisively today.
However, for AI to succeed in West Africa, Dr. Denteh stressed the importance of strong regulatory frameworks and digital infrastructure. She called for clear guidelines on AI’s use in healthcare, ensuring trust through policies on data security, patient privacy, and ethical AI use. She also pointed out that many rural facilities lack the necessary technology for AI, urging investment in digital tools across the region.
Dr. Denteh also highlighted that AI is not here to replace healthcare workers but to augment their capabilities. Training doctors and nurses to effectively use AI tools is critical to improving decision-making and patient outcomes.
She concluded with a call for collaboration among governments, private institutions, and healthcare professionals to make AI accessible and effective. “Together, we can shape a future where AI is a lifeline for all, not just a privileged few,” she said.
The seminar concluded with a sense of optimism and determination, with attendees reaffirming their commitment to advancing AI solutions for better healthcare delivery across West Africa. Dr. Paulina Denteh’s keynote speech set the stage for meaningful discussions and collaborations that will help shape the future of healthcare in the region, ensuring that AI’s benefits are felt by all.
