Across Africa, young tech companies are using artificial intelligence, also known as AI, to solve serious problems in the health sector. These new healthtech startups are helping patients get better treatment and also drawing attention from international investors who are eager to put money into solutions that save lives and make profit.
One of the leading examples is Ilara Health, a startup based in Nairobi, Kenya. This company recently raised $4.2 million in fresh funding. Ilara Health focuses on helping small clinics with limited resources by giving them modern medical tools. They supply portable ultrasound machines and AI-powered malaria testing devices. These tools help health workers in rural and urban areas to quickly diagnose and treat patients. The use of AI in Ilara’s operations has made it possible for clinics without laboratory equipment to still deliver quality care to patients, especially those suffering from common diseases like malaria and pregnancy-related issues.
Another strong example is Delft Imaging, which has developed a platform called CAD4TB. This AI-powered software can detect tuberculosis (TB) just by looking at chest X-rays. TB remains a major health problem in many African countries, and Delft Imaging’s tool is now being used in the national TB programs of nine African nations. The platform’s success has attracted support from the World Bank. This shows how global institutions are beginning to support African-led health innovations that can be used across borders.
In South Africa, a startup called Envisionit Deep AI is also using AI to support doctors. The company was co-founded by Dr. Jaishree Naidoo, a well-known radiologist. Their major product is RADIFY, an AI system that helps doctors detect serious lung conditions from X-ray images. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when hospitals were overwhelmed, RADIFY helped doctors to quickly identify pneumonia and other respiratory diseases. Now, Envisionit Deep AI is working to get approvals from the United States and the European Union, so they can take their innovation to other parts of the world.
Nigeria is not left behind in this healthtech movement. LifeBank, a company founded by Nigerian entrepreneur Temie Giwa-Tubosun, is using technology to solve the problem of emergency medical supply. LifeBank uses data and digital tools to deliver important medical items like blood, oxygen, and vaccines to hospitals in different parts of Nigeria. Since it started, LifeBank has helped save many lives by ensuring that health facilities have quick access to what they need during emergencies.
Another Nigerian startup making waves is CribMD. This company was started by Ossai Ifeanyi Nwabuonwu. CribMD connects patients with doctors through video calls, text messages, and online consultations. It is especially useful for people in remote areas where there are no nearby hospitals or clinics. The platform helps to reduce the burden on public hospitals and also gives people access to healthcare from their homes.
All these startups have one thing in common: they are getting strong support from international donors and investors. For example, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation recently gave $5 million in grants to support healthtech solutions that focus on Africa. The NEPAD Agency, which works on development across Africa, also gave out $12 million to over 250 young African innovators working in healthtech. These funds are helping startups to grow, build new technology, and reach more people in need.
However, there are still many challenges. Most African countries do not have enough trained medical workers. In Kenya, there is only one radiologist for every 389,000 people. In Nigeria, the number is even worse, with one radiologist for every 600,000 people. Power supply is also a major issue. For healthtech to work properly, it needs reliable electricity and internet connection, which are still lacking in many parts of the continent.
Still, the progress is impressive. These African startups are proving that with the right technology and support, healthcare delivery on the continent can improve. By using artificial intelligence, they are creating solutions that are not only useful locally but also valuable globally. As more money and attention flow into this sector, these startups have a strong chance of changing the face of healthcare in Africa and beyond.
