BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI), which combines computer science with extensive datasets, seeks to mimic human-like intelligence. Subsets of AI are being applied in almost all fields of medicine and surgery. AIM: This review focuses on the applications of AI in healthcare settings in developing countries, designed to underscore its significance by comprehensively outlining the advancements made thus far, the shortcomings encountered in AI applications, the present status of AI integration, persistent challenges, and innovative strategies to surmount them. METHODOLOGY: Articles from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane were searched from 2000 to 2023 with keywords including AI and healthcare, focusing on multiple medical specialties. RESULTS: The increasing role of AI in diagnosis, prognosis prediction, and patient management, as well as hospital management and community healthcare, has made the overall healthcare system more efficient, especially in the high patient load setups and resource-limited areas of developing countries where patient care is often compromised. However, challenges, including low adoption rates and the absence of standardized guidelines, high installation and maintenance costs of equipment, poor transportation and connectivvity issues hinder AI's full use in healthcare. CONCLUSION: Despite these challenges, AI holds a promising future in healthcare. Adequate knowledge and expertise of healthcare professionals for the use of AI technology in healthcare is imperative in developing nations.
Artificial Intelligence , Global Health , Humans , Developing Countries , Community Health Services , Delivery of Health Care
The availability and accessibility of neurosurgical care across Africa remains limited despite recent advancements. Overall, Africa accounts for 15% of the global neurosurgical disease burden but has access to less than 1% of neurosurgeons globally. While the number of neurosurgeons has increased in recent decades, huge workforce shortages remain, with the region facing the second-largest neurosurgical deficit. Access to adequate facilities and equipment is also lacking. Barriers like poverty, conflicts, and distance from care centres negatively impact patients' ability to access services. However, training programs like the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Rabat Training Center have contributed to building local capacity. Use of technologies like neuro-endoscopy is expanding access to more cost-effective interventions for conditions such as hydrocephalus. Undergraduate medical education is also seeing a rise in African students interested in neurosurgery. Despite these advancements, workforce shortfalls, inadequate infrastructure, and challenges posed by geopolitical instability continue to hinder the provision of comprehensive neurosurgical care. Limited research and funding discourage experienced surgeons from practicing in their home countries. Increased international collaboration, support for education, and tackling of structural issues are needed to continue strengthening Africa's neurosurgical capacity and reducing the disease burden. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the current state of neurosurgery on the continent, highlight achievements, and identify persisting challenges.
