Encouraging Findings from WHO Skin NTDs App Study in Kenya

Posted On: December 6, 2024
Posted By: Fatima Al-Mansoori
Comments: 0

A recent study in Kenya assessed the WHO Skin NTDs App, demonstrating promising results with an average sensitivity of 80% for its AI algorithms. Conducted with the Ministry of Health and other partners, the study highlighted the app’s value in supporting healthcare workers managing skin-related neglected tropical diseases. Positive feedback from users marks a step towards addressing skin health challenges in Kenya and beyond.

On November 25, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) convened with the Ministry of Health of Kenya to present preliminary findings from the inaugural assessment of the WHO Skin NTDs App, which integrates two artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithms. This study, a collaborative effort involving entities such as TDR, the Open University of Catalonia, the Catalan Institute of Health, the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), and the University of Bristol, represented a pioneering simultaneous evaluation of AI algorithms focused on skin diseases.

Skin-related neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) continue to pose a substantial public health challenge in Kenya, contributing to 10-30% of outpatient consultations. The existing scarcity of dermatological professionals exacerbates these concerns, heightening the necessity for innovative diagnostic tools. The WHO Skin NTDs app leverages AI technology to aid frontline health workers, enhancing their capacity to manage these diseases effectively. Within the framework of the study, health workers across five counties collected 605 images of skin lesions from patients between June and October 2024. The preliminary results indicated a commendable average sensitivity of around 80% for both AI algorithms in comparison to diagnoses rendered by three board-certified dermatologists.

In conclusion, the preliminary outcomes of the WHO Skin NTDs App study indicate promising potential in aiding healthcare workers in Kenya to better manage skin-related diseases. With an encouraging performance of the AI algorithms and positive feedback from users, this initiative could represent a significant step forward in addressing the pressing issue of skin NTDs in challenging contexts. WHO is poised to expand this study to multiple countries, evaluating the performance of the application under diverse epidemiological conditions.

Original Source: www.who.int

AFRICA AI BELLE CAR CATALAN INSTITUTE OF HEALTH CLINICAL TRIALS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ECONOMIC IMPACT HEALTHCARE JOSÉ ANTONIO RUIZ POSTIGO JOSE ANTONIO RUIZ POSTIGO JOYCE ONSONGO KE KEMRI KENYA KENYA MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE MINISTRY OF HEALTH OPEN UNIVERSITY OF CATALONIA PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH SKIN TDR UNIVERSAL DOCTOR UNIVERSAL DOCTOR FOR WHO UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL WHO WHO GLOBAL NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES PROGRAMME WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

Fatima Al-Mansoori

Fatima Al-Mansoori is an insightful journalist with an extensive background in feature writing and documentary storytelling. She holds a dual Master’s degree in Media Studies and Anthropology. Starting her career in documentary production, she later transitioned to print media where her nuanced approach to writing deeply resonated with readers. Fatima’s work has addressed critical issues affecting communities worldwide, reflecting her dedication to presenting authentic narratives that engage and inform.