TLDR: The Africa AI Health Forum 2025, held in Kumasi, brought together over 450 participants to discuss the practical applications of generative AI in African healthcare. The forum emphasized integrating AI tools into existing public health priorities, with a focus on improving patient outcomes and health system efficiency. Key discussions included telehealth advancements and the development of AI-powered solutions like CARE-GDM for gestational diabetes management.
The Africa AI Health Forum 2025 convened on July 28, 2025, in Kumasi, Ghana, to delve into the transformative potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI) within the African healthcare landscape. The hybrid event saw a significant turnout, with more than 150 in-person participants and over 300 virtual attendees, totaling over 450 individuals, including clinicians, health administrators, AI engineers, researchers, and students.
Jointly organized by the Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research Group, KCCR-KNUST, and the Global Health Network, the forum centered on the theme “Harnessing Generative AI for Healthcare Innovations: Lessons, Challenges, and Future Directions.” The discussions moved beyond theoretical concepts, focusing on practical AI tools tailored to local needs and addressing the regulatory and implementation barriers prevalent in African public health settings.
Dr. Wisdom Atiwoto, Director of Research, Statistics, and Information Management at Ghana’s Ministry of Health, highlighted the critical role of AI in the future of healthcare. “Telehealth is the future of healthcare, and the way forward is AI-enabled,” stated Dr. Atiwoto. He further emphasized that “real transformation will require bold policy, strong partnerships, and systems that put people first. Ghana is ready to lead that change.”
A significant highlight of the forum was the spotlight on local innovations, such as CARE-GDM, a tool designed to enhance gestational diabetes management between facility visits. This AI-powered solution supports remote monitoring, health education, and personalized decision-making for patients, demonstrating how AI can be adapted to Ghana’s health system and common communication platforms. Dr. John Amuasi, Lead for the Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research Group, GHID-KCCR, stressed the need to move “beyond pilots and proof-of-concept” to widespread implementation.
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The forum advocated for a measured integration of AI, linking AI tools to existing public health priorities rather than promoting them as disruptive solutions. The event received support from key organizations including the Ghana Ministry of Health, The Global Health Network, Science for Africa Foundation, IDRC, and the FCDO. The maiden edition of the Africa AI Health Forum also aimed to establish a sustainable community of practice to drive ongoing collaboration and innovation in AI-driven healthcare solutions across Africa.
