Sudan is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) technology to strengthen its health system amid a devastating civil war that has killed dozens of doctors and left the country’s medical facilities in shambles. The World Health Organization has warned that Sudan’s health system is collapsing due to shortages of medical supplies, a loss of doctors, and destroyed or looted medical facilities.
According to Al-Moghirah Al-Amin Gad Al-Sayed, director of the department of therapeutic medicine at the Federal Ministry of Health in Sudan, AI can play a crucial role in providing medical services in conflict zones where traditional healthcare is not available. For example, AI-powered systems can match patient images against thousands of stored images to provide accurate diagnoses.
The absence of medical staff and supplies has also contributed to antimicrobial resistance, with patients increasingly relying on antibiotics indiscriminately. This could lead to the development of “resistant microbes” that render traditional treatments ineffective.
However, Al-Sayed emphasizes that AI is not a replacement for human healthcare workers but rather a complement to address the shortages. He stresses that additional health workers are urgently needed, along with supplies of medicines and medical devices.
The health crisis in Sudan is further exacerbated by extreme weather events linked to climate change, displacement, and violence against women. The UN has reported over 11.5 million people displaced since violent clashes broke out between rival forces in April 2023. Al-Sayed attributes the widespread migration of families to attacks on women by paramilitary forces.
The use of AI technology can help alleviate some of the burden, but more donor support is needed for organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) to provide essential services and supplies. As the health crisis continues to worsen, Sudan’s reliance on AI technology is crucial in providing medical assistance to those in need.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-01-ai-diagnostics-ease-health-crisis.html