Rwandese researchers, in partnership with French experts at IRCAD Africa, are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform healthcare, with a focus on improving cancer diagnosis and prenatal care. This groundbreaking collaboration is part of the Disrumpere Project, based in Kigali, which aims to bridge healthcare access gaps in underserved regions through AI-driven solutions.
Launched in October 2023 as an extension of IRCAD France, the project emphasizes research and training in minimally invasive surgery. The Disrumpere Project—an acronym for the Democratisation of Diagnosis, Screening, Biometrics, and Augmented Percutaneous Surgery Assisted by AI—brings together 20 to 30 specialists from Rwanda and France.
One of the initiative’s primary goals is to enhance prenatal care through advanced algorithms. These AI systems analyze ultrasound images and measure critical fetal biometrics, such as weight, gestational age, femur length, and brain circumference.
“Our algorithms, trained on vast datasets from premium imagers across multiple countries, deliver precise measurements that previously required highly skilled operators,” said Dr Alexandre Hostettler, Head of Surgical Data Science at IRCAD France and IRCAD Africa.
The AI tools, now in the trial phase, aim to empower healthcare workers with minimal training to perform complex diagnostic tasks. By 2024, healthcare workers with just two hours of training could produce accurate prenatal measurements in under two minutes.
The partnership also explores AI-powered tools for detecting and treating early-stage cancerous tumours. Using portable ultrasound devices, the system assists in biopsies and minimally invasive procedures like radiofrequency ablation, enabling life-saving interventions in resource-limited settings.
“Real-time AI detection allows us to identify tumours, precisely position biopsy needles, and even destroy tumours using advanced techniques,” Hostettler explained.
These innovations address a critical global healthcare challenge. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over five billion people lack access to medical imaging, and two billion are without essential surgical services.
By integrating AI with cost-effective, portable medical imaging devices, the Disrumpere Project seeks to democratize healthcare access, reducing dependence on expensive equipment and highly specialized personnel.
The collaboration is poised to revolutionize healthcare in Africa and beyond by equipping healthcare workers with cutting-edge technology and improving patient outcomes in underserved regions.
Article by Jed Mwangi
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