Delegates who attended the Science Policy Engagement for Africa (SPEAR)The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation), in partnership with the African Open Science Platform (AOSP), recently organized a groundbreaking event titled "Bridging Policy Gaps for AI and Data Science in Global Health: A Pan-African Perspective." Held in Pretoria, the event brought together esteemed experts, policymakers, researchers, civil society, public entities, and stakeholders from the 16 Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. This gathering marked the first of five planned workshops across Africa, with the overarching objective of identifying policy gaps, research objectives, and opportunities for AI and data science in global health from an African perspective.
The event aimed to drive policy discussions forward and establish Africa's own standards for the governance of AI and data science. The goal is to ensure the responsible and ethical use of these technologies for a positive impact. Dr Uzma Alam, Senior Programme Officer and lead of Science Policy Engagement for Africa at the SFA Foundation emphasized the significance of this effort, stating, "It will serve as a catalyst for transformative research collaborations and generate knowledge that addresses Africa’s most pressing health challenges."
The convening had multiple objectives. It sought to develop an understanding of policy gaps at the national, regional, and continental levels in the development, application, and governance of AI and data science, focusing specifically on genomics, epidemics and pandemics, clinical trials, and drug development.
Furthermore, the event aimed to explore the benefits and challenges of utilizing data science and AI in global health, including ethical considerations and governance. It provided a platform for sharing best practices, innovative approaches, and lessons learned in implementing AI and data science initiatives in global health. Additionally, the gathering aimed to identify knowledge and research gaps while fostering collaborations between academia, industry, and government.
Dr Nokuthula Mchunu, Deputy Director of Strategic Partnerships at the African Open Science Platform, underscored the significant role of AI and data sciences in genomics research, stating, "The integration of AI and data science in genomics has the potential to unlock valuable insights into the genetic basis of diseases prevalent in Africa. By leveraging these technologies, we can accelerate the discovery of novel treatments and interventions, paving the way for more personalized and effective healthcare."
These AI and data science convenings serve as crucial platforms for fostering collaborations and informing the development of robust policies that will propel Africa to the forefront of AI and data-driven research in global health. By addressing critical policy gaps and harnessing the power of AI and data science, Africa aims to shape its own destiny and ensure that healthcare advancements lead to meaningful and sustainable impacts for its people.
Article by RB Reporter
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