Professor Hajara Umar Sanda has underscored the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing patient care and improving healthcare systems through effective health communication.
She stated, “AI, when harnessed responsibly, can bridge gaps in our healthcare delivery by providing timely, personalized, and data-driven solutions to even the most remote communities.”
At the 11th Annual Conference of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) on September 4-5, 2024, held at Ikeja Airport Hotel, Sanda presented a paper titled “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Health Communication: Implications for Digital Communications and Governance in Africa.”
In her presentation, she highlighted AI-driven tools like chatbots, virtual assistants, and data analysis systems as transformative in the dissemination and utilization of health information. She remarked, “These tools are not just innovations; they represent a fundamental shift in how we approach patient engagement and care delivery.”
However, she noted challenges such as the digital divide, infrastructure gaps, and the need for capacity building as significant obstacles to AI’s widespread adoption in Africa, citing a 2024 McKinsey report.
“We must confront these challenges head-on to prevent AI from becoming another tool that exacerbates inequality,” Sanda warned.
As the first female professor of Mass Communication in Kano, Sanda emphasized the importance of responsible AI integration to ensure its benefits are distributed equitably across the continent. She noted successes in countries like Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria, where AI is already contributing to healthcare advancements.
“We have the potential, but it is the responsibility of policymakers, technologists, and communicators to steer AI towards inclusive progress,” she urged.
She pointed to the need for infrastructure development, capacity building, and robust governance frameworks to ensure ethical use, data protection, and equitable access.
“Without strong governance and a commitment to capacity building, AI’s promise will remain out of reach for many,” she cautioned.
Sanda argued that AI has the potential to revolutionize health communication, offering more efficient, personalized, and informed healthcare across Africa, provided the challenges are addressed.
