The National Institutes of Health (NIH) aims to give data science research in Africa a large boost by investing about $74.5 million over the next five years to help spur tech-driven medical advancements across the continent.
The National Institute of Health plans to give data science research in Africa a huge enhancement of around$74.5 million for the next 5 years to assist in facilitating tech-driven medical advancement in the continent.
The NIH recently launched a program through which the money will be split among 19 different awards for different training and research activities which includes the establishment of a data science center and seven research hubs, four projects, and seven training programs that aim to apply data science to broader research efforts.
Francis Collins M.D., Ph.D., the NIH Director said in a statement that “This initiative has brought tremendous enthusiasm in all sectors of Africa’s biomedical research community”. “Big data and artificial intelligence have the potential to transform research conduct across the continent while investing in research training will assist in supporting Africa’s future data science leaders and make sure sustainable progress in the field.”
The University of Cape Town will work to ensure the development and management of the program’s data science platform and be the coordinating center for researchers. Previously, the NIH invested in the data and informatics work of the university through its Human Heredity and Health in Africa Program.
The satellite research centers are led by institutions in Africa, will focus on different critical health issues. Kenyan scientists will work to develop AI models to identify women that have high-risk pregnancies and to identify healthcare workers at risk of depression.
Meanwhile, researchers in Uganda will focus on cervical cancer and eye diseases as well as apply data science in diagnostics and medical imaging. Scientists in Nigeria will focus on HIV, COVID-19, antimicrobial resistance, pandemic awareness, and more while Cameroon researchers will focus on enhancing surgical care and access.
The program will also dedicate research to ethical, social, and legal implications of data science research. The NIH announced two other funding initiatives and a second program phase that will focus on education and scientist retention.
