Presentations
Below are readings provided by participants.
The Use of Mobile Thermal Imaging and Deep Learning for Prediction of Surgical Site Infection (Authors: Richard Ribon Fletcher, Gabriel Schneider, Laban Bikorimana, Gilbert Rukundo, Anne Niyigena, Elizabeth Miranda, Robert Riviello, Fredrick Kateera, Bethany Hedt-Gauthier). This is an example of a digital technology being developed by Participant Bethany Hedt-Gauthier. The focus here is the development of an image-based surgical site infection diagnostic algorithm, based on thermal images of the wound, for women in rural Rwanda.
Image-based surgical site infection algorithms to support home-based post-cesarean monitoring: Lessons from Rwanda. (Authors: Barnabas Tobi Alayande, Siona Prasad, Monique Abimpaye, Laban Bakorimana, Anne Niyigena, Jonathan Nkurunziza, Vincent K Cubaka, Fredrick Kateera, Richard Fletcher , Bethany Hedt-Gauthier). This paper highlights some lessons learned when developing image-based surgical site infection diagnostic algorithms to be deployed in Rwanda, or in resource-limited settings more generally. The paper covers issues related to database curation, algorithm development, and algorithm generalizability.
Addressing Fairness, Bias, and Appropriate Use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Global Health. (Authors: Richard Ribón Fletcher , Audace Nakeshimana, Olusubomi Olubeko). The authors provide discussions around assessing AI interventions for Appropriateness, deciding how an algorithm will be used in particular setting; Bias, with one demographic group favored over another; and Fairness, assessing the impact of the algorithm across different groups.
A dynamic map for learning, communicating, navigating and improving therapeutic development & Application of a Dynamic Map for Learning, Communicating, Navigating, and Improving Therapeutic Development (Authors: Wagner, John, Andrew M. Dahlem, Lynn D. Hudson, Sharon F. Terry, Russ B. Altman, C. Taylor Gilliland, Christopher DeFeo, and Christopher P. Austin). These two papers demonstrate the process and output around creating a map for development of small molecules and biologics in drug development. This paper provides a useful framework to begin to think about if such a map for digital health exists, is different and if so, what it might look like.
eHealth or e-Chaos: The use of Digital Health Interventions for Health Systems Strengthening in sub-Saharan Africa over the last 10 years: A scoping review (Authors: Humphrey C Karamagi, Derrick Muneene, Benson Droti, Violet Jepchumba, Joseph C Okeibunor, Juliet Nabyonga, James Avoka Asamani, Moussa Traore, and Hillary Kipruto). This scoping review studies digital health interventions in sub-Saharan Africa. Out of 983 tools, 738 were relevant for health systems strengthening. The region shows abundant digital health tools but lacks coordination and integration. The current “e-chaos” needs strategic investments and better leadership for sustainable e-health solutions.
Mapping digital health ecosystems in Africa in the context of endemic infectious and non-communicable diseases (Authors: Tsegahun Manyazewal, Mohammed K. Ali, Tedla Kebede, Matthew J. Magee, Tewodros Getinet, Shivani A. Patel, Damen Hailemariam, Cam Escoffery, Yimtubezinash oldeamanuel, Nardos Makonnen, Samrawit Solomon, Wondwossen Amogne, Vincent C. Marconi & Abebaw Fekadu). This study assessed digital health ecosystems in 54 African countries concerning infectious and non-communicable diseases. Using 20-year data, a growth in technology access was found. Inverse relationships were observed between tech growth and disease rates. Key countries for digital health investments include South Africa, Nigeria, and Tanzania. The research guides governmental digital health investments, emphasizing infrastructure development and global collaboration for equitable health outcomes
Mapping the regulatory landscape of AI in healthcare in Africa (Authors: Townsend, B.A., Sihlahla, I., Naidoo, M., Donnelly, D.L., Naidoo, S. and Thaldar, D.W). This research assesses the AI regulatory landscape in healthcare across 12 African countries. Given the absence of specific AI laws, it delves into related areas: data protection, digital health, consumer protection, and intellectual property. A scoping review identified recent developments in these areas. Results reveal a fragmented AI regulatory structure in these nations. The study stresses the urgency for unified regulations to facilitate future AI integration in African healthcare.
The Journey of Zanzibar’s Digitally Enabled Community Health Program to National Scale: Implementation Report. (Authors: Erica Layer; Salim Slim; Issa Mussa; Abdul-Wahid Al-Mafazy; Giulia V R Besana; Mwinyi Msellem; Isabel Fulcher; Heiko Hornung; Riccardo Lampariello). Zanzibar’s “Jamii ni Afya” is a national digital community health program developed with D-tree International. Using a mobile app, community health workers offer comprehensive health services. This initiative increased health facility visits among pregnant women and decreased child stunting. Key successes include emphasizing local health needs and data-driven decision-making. This program provides a blueprint for nations aiming to digitally boost primary health systems.
Challenges and opportunities for implementing digital health interventions in Nepal: A rapid review (Authors: R Parajuli, D Bohara, M Kc, S Shanmuganathan, SK Mistry, UN Yadav). Digital health technologies are growing in Nepal, but challenges persist. This study reviewed literature from 2010-2021, highlighting obstacles like limited technical facilities, difficult terrain, and a lack of skilled workers. However, there are opportunities in educating health practitioners and raising public awareness. These insights can inform Nepal’s digital health policies and interventions to enhance overall health outcomes.
Please check the shared Google Folder here for extra materials (articles, readings, podcasts, etc) that you think are critical background for the discussion. Note that you may be prompted to sign in with your Google Account to review and upload resources, thank you!