In a groundbreaking effort to improve health and care delivery in local communities, Aga Khan University (AKU) and the University of Michigan (U-M) have joined in partnership to establish a cutting-edge data science hub in Nairobi, Kenya. This collaborative initiative positions the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to address health disparities and promote health equity.
Under the leadership of Joseph Kolars, director of the U-M Center for Global Health Equity, a delegation from Michigan recently visited AKU’s Nairobi campus to review the progress of their partnership. The meetings focused on the achievements since the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and provided updates on the Utilising Health Information for Meaningful Impact in East Africa through Data Science (UZIMA-DS) grant, which the institutions received two years ago.
The UZIMA-DS grant, amounting to $6.5 million, aims to establish a state-of-the-art data science hub that leverages AI, machine learning, and other emerging technologies to enhance health and care delivery in local communities. During the visit, project leads shared their progress and discussed the future of the initiative. This opportunity was a timely window to explore how both institutions can discuss challenges and find constructive routes to addressing them.
The collaboration between AKU and U-M extends beyond the UZIMA-DS grant. The visit also allowed for discussions on the new grant which supports pilot work for the Longitudinal Study of Health and Aging in Kenya (LOSHAK). This study aims to enrol thousands of Kenyan adults aged 45 and older, focusing on areas such as Alzheimer’s disease, mental health, the health and economic impacts of climate change and air pollution, and factors influencing late life economic wellbeing.
The success of this visit highlights the commitment of both institutions to advancing health equity through innovative research and collaboration. By leveraging the power of AI and machine learning, AKU and U-M are paving the way for transformative advancements in healthcare delivery, ultimately improving the lives of individuals and communities in Kenya and beyond.
🚀 Discover how the AI-driven LabelComp tool is transforming drug safety surveillance! By automating the identification of adverse events in drug labelling, LabelComp enhances accuracy and efficiency, supporting regulatory decision-making and public health. 🌐💊
#SyenzaNews #AIinHealthcare #DrugSafety #PharmaInnovation #RegulatoryScience
🌟 School-based health centres (SBHCs) are improving healthcare for underserved youth across the US! These centres provide vital services, from preventive care to chronic disease management, right where students need them most – in schools. 📚🏥
SBHCs improve academic performance, reduce absenteeism, and enhance overall student well-being. Let’s support these essential centres and ensure every child has access to quality healthcare. 🌟
#SyenzaNews #SBHC #ChronicDiseaseManagement #HealthEquity #PreventiveCare
🌟 Exciting developments in Abu Dhabi! The Department of Health has introduced new ABA guidelines for Autism Spectrum Disorder, aiming to improve care for People of Determination. This initiative focuses on standardising care, enhancing accessibility, and fostering collaboration between healthcare and education professionals.
Learn more about how these guidelines can make a difference in the lives of individuals with ASD.
#SyenzaNews #HealthcareInnovation #AutismCare #InclusiveHealth #ABAGuidelines #AbuDhabiHealth
CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS
WRITE US