Case Report - (2025) Volume 16, Issue 2
Received: 20-Feb-2024, Manuscript No. JHMI-24-127915;
Editor assigned: 23-Feb-2024, Pre QC No. JHMI-24-127915 (PQ);
Reviewed: 11-Mar-2024, QC No. JHMI-24-127915;
Revised: 23-Apr-2025, Manuscript No. JHMI-24-127915 (R);
Published:
30-Apr-2025
, DOI: 10.37421/2157-7420.2025.16.577
Citation: Cyrielle, Ngnotouom Ngnokam Tania, Angyiba Serge
Andigema and Ewane Ekwelle. "Exploring How Artificial Intelligence is
Revolutionizing Healthcare Systems: Case Study Cameroon." J Health Med
Informat 16 (2025): 577.
Copyright: © 2025 Cyrielle NNT, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the creative commons attribution license which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Inadequate financing, restricted access to healthcare facilities and services, a lack of qualified medical personnel and other issues have plagued Cameroon's healthcare institutions. However, the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can assist in resolving some of these issues and enhancing the nation's healthcare system. The diagnosis and management of diseases is one area where AI can have a substantial influence. Healthcare practitioners may reliably and swiftly detect illnesses with the use of AI-powered technologies, improving patient outcomes. Diagnostic technologies driven by AI, for instance, may examine medical photos and spot lesions or anomalies that may not be obvious to the naked eye. This can aid in the early detection of illnesses including cancer, TB and malaria and hence enhance the effectiveness of therapy. Another area where AI may be helpful is access to healthcare services. A large number of people in Cameroon are unable to obtain healthcare services due to practical or budgetary restrictions. However, AI-powered telemedicine systems can help close this gap by establishing virtual links between patients and medical professionals. A patient may consult a doctor through video conference and the doctor may provide guidance or issue a prescription based on the patient's symptoms. Additionally, AI-powered chat bots may direct patients to medical specialists when necessary and offer them basic health information and guidance. By lightening the load on healthcare institutions, more resources might be allocated to helping those who are most in need. Access to healthcare services is yet another area where AI might be beneficial. In conclusion, incorporating AI into healthcare systems has the potential to significantly improve patient access to care and support better health outcomes in Cameroon. Although there are still some obstacles to be addressed, the potential advantages of AI in healthcare are encouraging and we can anticipate seeing this technology used more frequently in the years to come.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) • Sustainability • Healthcare system
Healthcare is an integral aspect of any country's development and progress. As developing countries strive to provide quality healthcare services, certain challenges such as understaffing, limited resources and inadequate infrastructure can hinder their progress. However, advanced technological solutions such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) are proving to be significant game-changers in healthcare systems worldwide. AI has been identified as a transformative force in the healthcare industry, promising to revolutionize the sector by improving efficiency, accuracy and accessibility to healthcare services [1].
Cameroon is a developing country in Central Africa that has been grappling with various challenges in its healthcare system, including inadequate healthcare infrastructure, insufficient human resources and limited access to healthcare for a significant proportion of citizens [2]. However, the country's government is increasingly adopting AI in healthcare, promising to deliver quality and affordable healthcare services to its population. Here we explored how AI is revolutionizing Cameroon's healthcare system by improving care delivery and addressing key challenges. We reviewed various case studies to provide an in-depth analysis of the implementation of AI in Cameroon's healthcare system and its potential impact on healthcare delivery. Additionally, we examined some of the challenges Cameroon faces in implementing AI in the healthcare sector, including the need for capacity building, sustainability and ethical concerns related to the use of AI.
Furthermore, we examined the broader implications of AI in developing countries and how other nations can leverage innovative solutions to address healthcare challenges. While concluding on the need for continued investment in AI in Cameroon's healthcare system and other developing countries to improve access to quality healthcare services and ultimately achieve better health outcomes for their populations.
AI in healthcare
Artificial Intelligence (AI) involves computer systems that are designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as language understanding, problem-solving and decisionmaking [3]. AI is revolutionizing various domains, including healthcare, by offering new opportunities for disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment. In this section will provide an overview of AI in healthcare, including the definition of AI, types of AI, potential benefits and challenges associated with AI in healthcare and examples of successful AI implementations in healthcare.
AI in healthcare refers to the use of advanced technology systems, algorithms, machine learning and natural language processing to analyze patient data, identify patterns and make predictions that can help healthcare professionals diagnose diseases, develop treatment plans and manage patient care (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Roles of AI in healthcare.
AI in healthcare can be broadly categorized into two types: Rule- Based AI and Machine Learning AI [4]. Rule-based AI involves a predefined set of rules that are programmed into the system and executed when certain conditions are met. Machine learning AI can continually learn and adapt as it is exposed to new data, making it more accurate over time.
Some potential benefits of AI in Healthcare [5] are cited below:
Improved diagnosis: AI can analyze patient data to identify patterns, detect abnormalities and make more accurate diagnoses.
Preventative care: AI can help identify high-risk patients and enable healthcare professionals to intervene before a disease becomes critical.
Personalized treatment: AI algorithms can help develop personalized treatment plans based on the patient's specific condition, genetics and medical history.
Increased efficiency: AI can automate routine clinical tasks, such as medical tests and data entry, thereby freeing up healthcare professionals to focus on clinical decision-making.
Better record keeping: AI can help automate clinical data entry, reducing human error and ensuring more accurate medical records.
Some challenges of AI in healthcare also exist and could be cited below:
Accuracy: AI results are only as good as the data used to train the algorithm. Therefore, ensuring the accuracy of the dataset is crucial.
Privacy: Collecting and storing large volumes of medical data could pose significant privacy risks if not adequately secured.
Implementation: A smooth implementation of AI in the healthcare system requires significant investment, including data processing, equipment and trained personnel.
Ethical considerations: The use of AI algorithms in healthcare has ethical implications such as patient privacy, informed consent, interpretation of the results and liability for its outcome.
Nevertheless, there have been several successful AI Implementations in Healthcare in the world, in Africa and Cameroon in particular. From aiding diagnoses to improving patient outcomes, the implementation of AI in healthcare is increasing rapidly worldwide. In Africa, specifically Cameroon, the use of AI in healthcare is still in its early stages, but there have been some notable successes.
One of the most significant AI implementations in healthcare worldwide is IBM’s Watson for Oncology [6]. Watson is an AI tool that uses natural language processing and machine learning to analyze medical records and scientific literature to provide insights on cancer diagnoses and treatment options. It has been used in several countries, including the United States, India and Thailand and has demonstrated success in improving patient outcomes.
In Africa, there have been some successful AI implementations in healthcare as well. The Digital Maternal and Child Health (MCH) platform, developed by the African Development Bank, is an AIpowered platform that aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in Africa [7]. The platform uses AI algorithms to analyze health data and provide targeted recommendations to healthcare workers and community health volunteers to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
In Cameroon, the use of AI in healthcare is still in its early stages, but there have been some promising developments. The country has implemented an eHealth strategy to improve healthcare delivery and has established a national eHealth platform to support the use of technology in healthcare [8].
Overall, the implementation of AI in healthcare is transforming the industry worldwide. While there is still a long way to go in Africa and Cameroon specifically, there have been some successful implementations that demonstrate the potential for AI to improve healthcare outcomes in the region. By focusing on further AI research and development, the healthcare industry can significantly improve patient outcomes and healthcare system efficiency.
Cameroon's healthcare system
Cameroon’s healthcare system faces numerous challenges that hinder its capacity to effectively provide quality healthcare to its citizens. Improper healthcare infrastructure, underfunded facilities and insufficient government support pose significant challenges to the delivery of quality healthcare services in the country [9]. Cameroon has a high incidence of preventable diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and cholera, which contribute to the high mortality rate in the country [10]. Moreover, inadequate health worker training, shortages of health workers and a lack of the latest medical equipment further strain the country’s healthcare system [9].
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology presents a potential solution to the challenges faced by Cameroon’s healthcare system [11]. AI can play a critical role in revolutionizing the country’s healthcare system by enabling effective early detection, fast response to emergencies and accurate disease diagnoses. With the help of AI-powered diagnostic tools, healthcare professionals can make more informed decisions regarding the treatment of patients, thus increasing the quality and effectiveness of care provided. AI has also been instrumental in facilitating the remote provision of healthcare services, which is essential in areas where medical professionals are scarce.
The integration of AI into Cameroon’s healthcare system would enable efficient management of healthcare centers, enhance patient safety and improve the quality and timeliness of healthcare services provided by medical practitioners. Additionally, AI-powered electronic health records systems could provide a more complete picture of patients' health histories, enabling healthcare practitioners to provide more effective and personalized treatments. Furthermore, AI can aid in disease surveillance, tracking outbreaks and monitoring epidemics, thereby minimizing the spread of diseases and facilitating early interventions [12]. Cameroon’s healthcare system has faced significant challenges that have hindered its growth and effectiveness.
However, the integration of AI technology presents a promising solution to the issues that have encumbered the country’s healthcare system. By utilizing AI-powered tools and systems, Cameroon can improve the quality of healthcare services provided to its citizens, tackle diseases more effectively and enhance the efficiency of its healthcare system. Thus, the potential impact of AI in the healthcare system of Cameroon cannot be overstated.
Case study: AI in Cameroon's healthcare system
The AI system to be implemented in Cameroon's healthcare system involves the use of machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence tools to analyze, process and interpret medical data. The AI system is designed to help healthcare professionals make informed decisions and create timely interventions to improve the health outcomes of their patients.
The AI system used in Cameroon's healthcare system involves a digital platform that allows for real-time sharing and analysis of medical data. This platform allows healthcare providers to access patient data, medical histories and engage in predictive analytics to identify potential health risks [13]. With the help of AI technology, healthcare providers can create personalized healthcare plans for their patients, which will ultimately lead to better treatment outcomes.
Benefits and challenges faced in the implementation process: The implementation of AI technology in Cameroon's healthcare system has resulted in several benefits. One of the biggest benefits has been improved access to healthcare services, especially in remote areas, where healthcare services are often limited. With AI technology, healthcare services can now be delivered remotely and healthcare professionals can reach patients outside of their regular operating hours.
Another benefit of implementing AI technology in Cameroon's healthcare system is improved accuracy and efficiency in medical decision-making. AI technology can help healthcare professionals analyze large amounts of data, identify patterns, diagnose diseases quicker and create personalized treatment plans for patients. This can help reduce diagnostic errors, improve treatment outcomes and ultimately lead to better patient outcomes.
Despite the benefits, there are challenges in implementing AI technology in Cameroon's healthcare system. These include a lack of proper infrastructure, limited access to technology in rural areas and limited funding for AI technology implementation. Additionally, there is a lack of skilled personnel familiar with AI technology to optimize its benefits in healthcare services in Cameroon.
Case studies of specific healthcare interventions utilizing AI technology in Cameroon: One example of healthcare intervention utilizing AI technology is the telemedicine services provided by the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society in Cameroon. This technology-based service aims to provide to provide education to neurologists, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, general practitioners and residents in Cameroon. The initiative gives participants access to telemedicine-based education in the subject of movement disorders, which is not currently offered in their area. Twelve lectures are offered over the course of a year in two parallel courses, one targeted at physicians and the other at other health workers.
Another case study of healthcare intervention utilizing AI technology in Cameroon is a project developed by the Medical Information Technology and Health Education program in Cameroon. The project aims to use AI technology and machine learning algorithms to analyze medical data, predict disease outbreaks and develop personalized treatment plans for patients. The project has already helped healthcare professionals identify and prevent the spread of diseases such as cholera, typhoid and malaria in Cameroon.
AI technology has the potential to revolutionize healthcare systems in low-resource settings such as Cameroon. While the implementation process of AI technology in Cameroon's healthcare system has faced its challenges, the potential benefits are undeniable, especially in providing quality healthcare services remotely to patients in rural areas.
In summary, the potential benefits of AI in healthcare cannot be ignored. With advanced AI technologies in the field of healthcare, developing countries have the opportunity to enhance the quality of care delivered to their citizens while reducing healthcare costs. Through our case study on Cameroon, we can see how AI is transforming healthcare systems and improving access to healthcare services.
In final thoughts, we believe that the potential of AI to revolutionize healthcare systems in developing countries is enormous and should be harnessed. Governments, healthcare providers, AI developers and private stakeholders must work collaboratively to overcome the challenges faced in implementing AI technology in healthcare and take the necessary steps to make AI deployment in the health sector more accessible, equitable and cost-effective. With the right strategies in place, AI can unlock unprecedented opportunities to create a more sustainable and equitable healthcare system in developing countries.
The potential for AI in healthcare systems is immense, promising significant improvements in the quality, accessibility and affordability of healthcare services in Cameroon and beyond. AI can address some of the longstanding challenges in healthcare, such as a shortage of healthcare professionals, uneven healthcare distribution and lack of data-driven decision-making. AI-powered systems can help to improve patient experiences and clinical outcomes, optimize healthcare administration and support public health management.
However, implementing AI in healthcare systems requires careful consideration of ethical and practical implications. The following are some recommendations for future AI implementation in healthcare:
Develop a comprehensive AI strategy: Healthcare providers and policymakers should develop a comprehensive AI strategy that outlines the goals, priorities and resources needed to implement AI successfully. The strategy should involve relevant stakeholders such as healthcare professionals, patients, regulators and technology experts to ensure that it is aligned with the healthcare needs and values of the community.
Build ethical frameworks: AI in healthcare has ethical implications, such as data privacy, cybersecurity and bias. Healthcare providers and policymakers should develop ethical frameworks that guide the development, deployment and use of AI in healthcare systems. The frameworks should address issues such as transparency, accountability and informed consent to ensure that AI-powered systems align with ethical principles and regulations.
Invest in data infrastructure: AI requires vast amounts of data to learn, train and improve its predictive accuracy. Healthcare providers should invest in building data infrastructure such as electronic health records, medical devices and digital health platforms to generate and capture reliable, real-time and relevant healthcare data. Such an investment can help to fuel the development of AI-powered systems, advance medical research and improve healthcare quality.
Foster public-private partnership: Successful AI implementation in healthcare requires collaboration between the public and private sectors. Healthcare providers should partner with technology providers, academia and research institutions to co-create innovative solutions, develop prototypes and pilot AI-powered systems. Publicprivate partnerships can also help to leverage funding and expertise, accelerate innovation and scale up AI-powered systems beyond pilot projects.
Develop a regulatory framework: AI in healthcare is a new and rapidly evolving field that lacks clear regulatory guidelines. Healthcare providers and policymakers should develop a supportive regulatory framework that balances innovation and safety, fostering an environment that allows AI-powered systems to grow responsibly and safely.
AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in Cameroon and beyond, but its implementation requires careful attention to ethical and practical implications. The recommendations discussed above can help to foster responsible AI implementation, accelerate innovation and support the healthcare needs of the community.
The authors declare no competing interests.
Nothing to declare.
There was no funding for this study.
Not applicable.
Acknowledgement to Bisons’ scholars, department of scientific research for their peer review efforts.
None.
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