Dr. Rose Nakasi

Your work in AI-driven healthcare, particularly in automated malaria diagnosis in low-resource settings, is so inspiring. What sparked your interest in this area, and what impact do you hope to achieve?

Imagine a Uganda where malaria is no longer a threat to our families, where children grow up healthy and communities thrive without the constant burden of disease. For too long, malaria has weighed us down - filling our hospitals, taking lives, and draining resources. But we stand at a turning point.

The solutions we seek are not beyond our reach. We have the knowledge, the expertise, and the resilience to drive real change. Our researchers and health professionals are among the best, capable of developing groundbreaking innovations tailored to our unique challenges. With the right focus, we can harness technology, strengthen healthcare systems, and lead the charge toward lasting solutions.

So for me and my team we envision a future where Uganda becomes a leader in malaria elimination. A future where our innovations set the standard for Africa and the world. This is not just a dream—it is a possibility within our grasp. Together, with determination and the will to act, we can provide solutions not just to malaria but other diseases as well in Uganda and beyond and build a healthier, stronger nation for generations to come.

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As the head of the Makerere AI Health Lab, how do you approach leadership, and what’s one lesson you’ve learned about building a team that drives innovation in AI and healthcare?

My approach to leadership revolves around fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued. I believe in empowering my team members by giving them the autonomy to explore creative solutions while providing the guidance and resources they need to succeed. It’s crucial to create a culture of trust and continuous learning, as AI and healthcare are rapidly evolving fields. I encourage open communication and ensure that everyone feels supported and heard.

One key lesson I’ve learned in building a team that drives innovation is the importance of cultivating a mindset of resilience. In AI and healthcare, we face complex challenges and uncertainty, but innovation thrives when individuals are motivated to overcome setbacks and learn from failures. By fostering an environment that encourages experimentation and iterative problem-solving, we empower our team to push the boundaries of what’s possible, ultimately driving impactful advancements in AI healthcare solutions.

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AI is transforming healthcare globally, but Africa has its own unique challenges. From your experience, what are the biggest barriers to AI adoption in healthcare here, and how can we overcome them?

One of the biggest barriers to AI adoption in healthcare across Africa is a lack of proper understanding of what AI truly is and how it can be effectively applied. There is often confusion between AI's capabilities and limitations – with people thinking it is robots and machines controlling mankind or taking away one’s job, which can lead to skepticism and hesitation among healthcare professionals and policymakers. When there is a lack of clarity about the technology, it becomes difficult to envision how it can solve specific healthcare challenges, or even where to begin implementing it. This gap in understanding can also result in an underutilization of AI tools, which could otherwise be transformative.

To overcome this, we need to invest in education and training at all levels. Building awareness about AI's potential, its practical applications in healthcare, and the nuances of its implementation is critical. We should establish partnerships between local universities, research institutions, and AI experts to facilitate knowledge transfer and hands-on experience. Additionally, creating pilot projects that showcase real-world success stories can help demystify AI and demonstrate its value in solving healthcare challenges unique to Africa, such as improving access to care, diagnostics, and treatment in underserved regions. With the right knowledge infrastructure in place, healthcare professionals can confidently adopt AI solutions that will have a lasting impact.

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Collaboration is key to advancing AI research. How do you see partnerships between researchers, policymakers, and healthcare institutions shaping the future of AI-driven healthcare in Africa?

Partnerships between researchers, policymakers, and healthcare institutions are essential for the successful integration of AI in healthcare across Africa. These collaborations ensure that AI-driven solutions are not only scientifically sound but also aligned with the real needs of healthcare providers and patients—the ultimate beneficiaries of these innovations. It’s crucial that we involve healthcare providers and patients at every stage of the process, from research and development to deployment when they become part of daily use within our healthcare systems. By doing so, we can ensure that AI solutions are both practical and user-friendly, addressing the specific challenges faced in diverse healthcare settings across the continent.

Secondly, implementing the technologies requires significant investment—from research and development to deployment and ongoing management. It’s not just about building the technology, but also about creating sustainable financial models that can support these solutions in the long term. We need to explore and develop funding models that involve both public and private sectors, ensuring that AI healthcare solutions are not only affordable but also scalable. This may include targeted funding from government bodies, partnerships with international organizations, and investment from the private sector, all of which should work together to ensure the sustainability and widespread impact of AI in healthcare across Africa.

In short, for AI to transform healthcare in Africa, it requires a holistic approach: strong partnerships, active involvement of end-users, and innovative financing models that support the entire lifecycle of these technologies. By bringing all these elements together, we can shape a future where AI meaningfully improves healthcare access, quality, and outcomes for all.

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As a researcher and leader, what challenges have you faced as a woman in AI, and how have you navigated them?

One of the main challenges we face, especially in Africa, is cultural hindrances. Traditionally, many fields, including certain academic subjects and professions, have been male-dominated and often perceived as such. This cultural bias has made it difficult for girls and young women to even consider these fields as viable options. However, I am encouraged to see that this is gradually changing. With different prominent female role models and girl-child empowerment initiatives available now, these are now motivating and empowering women and young girls to pursue careers in these traditionally male-dominated areas. This progress is uplifting, particularly for women like us who are working in these domains. Continuous support and encouragement are helping us break down these cultural barriers and inspire more women to join us in these fields.

In addition to cultural hindrances, another significant challenge for women in these fields is balancing professional and personal responsibilities. As a woman, I am not only a researcher but also a wife and mother. This dual role can sometimes slow down my work, as I need to allocate time for family and childcare. Without an enabling environment, this balancing act can be particularly challenging. In many African contexts, once a woman gets married, some limitations and boundaries hinder her progress. This often slows down women’s ability to pursue their dreams. Therefore, having a supportive family can make a significant difference in overcoming these barriers and achieving one’s goals.

I am extremely grateful for the support of my family, especially my husband, who has been at the forefront of encouraging and pushing me to achieve greater heights in my research. This support is invaluable and highlights the importance of families and spouses encouraging their partners to pursue their passions, particularly in science-dominated fields. Having such support from the home front is inspiring and empowering, and it has been a crucial factor in my ability to move forward with my work.

What’s one change you’d like to see in how AI research is done in Africa, and how would it make a difference?

One key change I’d like to see in AI research across Africa is a stronger emphasis on locally-driven, context-specific solutions. Too often, research and development of today and tomorrow’s technology is influenced by global trends without fully considering the unique challenges and needs faced by African healthcare systems. While global collaboration is crucial, it’s equally important that African researchers lead initiatives that are tailored to our local contexts—whether that’s addressing specific diseases prevalent in the region, working within resource constraints, or tackling the challenges of access to healthcare.

By fostering a greater focus on locally relevant AI research, we can ensure that solutions are not only more effective but also more sustainable and adaptable to the realities on the ground. This would involve strengthening collaborations between local universities, healthcare providers, and tech innovators to co-create solutions that address local health challenges directly. Additionally, involving community stakeholders in the research process will ensure that the solutions developed are culturally relevant and accessible.

This shift would make a significant difference by increasing the impact and adoption of AI solutions that are designed with a deep understanding of the needs and constraints of African healthcare systems, ultimately improving health outcomes and advancing the field of AI-driven healthcare in Africa.

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What’s your vision for African women in AI-driven healthcare, and how can we support more women to lead in this field?

My vision for African women in AI-driven healthcare is one where they are not only participants but leaders—driving innovation, shaping policies, and creating solutions that have a profound impact on healthcare across the continent. To achieve this, it’s essential to create exposure and visibility for African women who are already making strides in AI and healthcare. By sharing their stories and highlighting their achievements, we can inspire the next generation of women to pursue careers in this field. Representation matters, and seeing women in leadership roles will help break down stereotypes and empower others to step into similar positions.

To support more women in leading AI-driven healthcare, we need to invest in mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and educational initiatives that specifically target young women in STEM fields. These programs should offer not just technical training but also the leadership and entrepreneurial skills required to thrive in this space. Additionally, creating platforms where African women can share their experiences and collaborate with global leaders will help build a community of support, fostering an environment where women can flourish and lead with confidence.

Media also plays a critical role in supporting this vision. By developing interesting and educational programs that highlight the stories of women in AI, media can not only inspire but also promote learning programs in STEM and related areas. These stories can showcase the diversity of roles women play in AI-driven healthcare, demonstrating the impact they are making and encouraging young girls and women to pursue similar paths. Moreover, media outlets can partner with educational institutions and organizations to amplify campaigns that promote STEM education and other initiatives that encourage women to enter these fields.

Finally, organizations, governments, and academic institutions must make a conscious effort to create policies and practices that encourage gender equality in AI research and development. By actively investing in women’s leadership and amplifying their contributions, we can build a more inclusive and impactful AI-driven healthcare ecosystem in Africa, one where women are at the forefront of shaping the future.

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