In a significant stride toward advancing healthcare in Zambia, a one-day workshop took place at the University Teaching Hospitals in Lusaka on March 6, 2023. The event marked the formal launch of the "Exploring the Use of Enterprise Medical Imaging (EMI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Efficient and Effective Radiological Workflows in Public Health Facilities in Zambia" project. This workshop gathered key stakeholders and potential partners to explore avenues for collaboration in addressing critical challenges in the healthcare sector.
The primary aim of the workshop was to facilitate in-depth discussions about the various work packages within the EMI project and identify potential collaboration opportunities with beneficial partners. By bringing together experts and organizations from the healthcare and research sectors, the workshop aimed to lay the foundation for a transformative project that could revolutionize medical imaging and healthcare delivery in Zambia.
The workshop cast a wide net, with invitations extended to all key stakeholders and potential beneficial partners. Among the notable organizations represented were the University Teaching Hospitals, University of Zambia, Ministry of Health, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, and Infratel. A total of 21 individuals received invitations, and 16 dedicated individuals attended the workshop, underscoring the significance of the project and its potential impact on the healthcare landscape.
The workshop commenced with an opening address by Dr. V.S. SICHIZYA, who welcomed the attendees and set the tone for the day's proceedings. Mr. Kennedy Mwase then delivered an opening prayer, invoking a sense of purpose and unity among the participants.
Dr. E.O ZULU provided a comprehensive overview of the EMI project, shedding light on the challenges faced in radiological workflows within Zambia. He emphasized the critical shortage of Radiologists and the underutilization of technology in medical imaging as the primary hurdles to efficient healthcare delivery. Dr. ZULU also highlighted the initial funding received for the project, including activities such as nationwide surveys, stakeholder interviews, SWOT analyses, and participation in the IST-Africa 2022 conference. These initiatives formed the foundation for the project's next phase.
Dr. L. PHIRI delved into the specifics of the Google AIR Program (GAP) EMI project, emphasizing core aspects such as digital content, governance, strategies, platforms, image exchange services, image viewers, and image analytics. These components align closely with the project's work packages, which were briefly outlined during the workshop.
This workshop marked a significant milestone in the quest to enhance healthcare services through the integration of Enterprise Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence. The collaboration among key stakeholders and potential partners promises to address critical challenges in radiological workflows and healthcare delivery. As the project progresses, it holds the potential to bring about transformative changes in public health facilities across Zambia, ensuring more efficient and effective patient care. Stay tuned for updates on this groundbreaking initiative as it unfolds.