AstraZeneca launches African healthtech hub

Pharma giant AstraZeneca has launched its latest healthcare innovation hub, which will focus on using digital technology to improve healthcare in Africa.

The pharmaceutical giant said that the Africa Health Innovation Hub will concentrate on the most advanced technologies, including data creation and artificial intelligence (AI).

The company’s A.Catalyst Network, which consists of more than 20 health innovation centres, includes the hub.

“Building on AstraZeneca’s work in Africa, the hub aims to use the latest science and technology to improve access to healthcare for patients on the continent,” said AstraZeneca.

Gagan Singh, country president of African cluster at AstraZeneca, said: “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.”

AstraZeneca joined the WEF Edison Alliance last year, a public-private alliance with the 2025 goal of enhancing the lives of one billion people via digital inclusion.

AstraZeneca and MedSol AI Solutions are collaborating in South Africa to promote the use of AI to diagnose disease using a Wi-Fi ultrasound device that can quickly identify breast cancer.

The Melusi Breast AI rapid detection app will be introduced in rural clinics in conjunction with specialized referral systems to aid in the early diagnosis of the illness and a shorter time to action.

Kathryn Malherbe, CEO and founder of MedSol AI Solutions, said: “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.”

AstraZeneca is collaborating with Tricog Health in Kenya to expand an ongoing trial of the application of artificial intelligence technology in India, which links patients with urgent cardiac issues to medical specialists and directs them to the best healthcare facilities. Rapid diagnosis is offered by Tricog’s InstaECG AI technologies.

Tricog CEO and founder Charit Bhograj said: “Non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, are on the rise in Kenya and across Africa, and we know that the earlier these conditions are diagnosed, the better chance it is for patients to continue to live long, healthy lives.

“By investing in digital health technology, the Africa Health Innovation Hub is enabling the use of advanced AI to screen and diagnose patients remotely, bringing high-quality health tools to people no matter where they live.”