Impact of artificial intelligence and digital technology-based diagnostic tools for communicable and non-communicable diseases in Africa

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology, as advanced human-created tools, are influencing the healthcare sector.Aim: This review provides a comprehensive and structured exploration of the opportunities presented by AI and digital technology to laboratory diagnostics and management of communicable and non-communicable diseases in Africa.Methods: The study employed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews, Meta-Analyses guidelines and Bibliometric analysis as its methodological approach. Peer-reviewed publications from 2000 to 2024 were retrieved from PubMed®, Web of Science™ and Google Scholar databases.Results: The study incorporated a total of 1563 peer-reviewed scientific documents and, after filtration, 37 were utilised for systematic review. The findings revealed that AI and digital technology play a key role in patient management, quality assurance and laboratory operations, including healthcare decision-making, disease monitoring and prognosis. Metadata reflected the disproportionate research outputs distribution across Africa. In relation to non-communicable diseases, Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco lead in cardiovascular, diabetes and cancer research. Representing communicable diseases research, Algeria, Egypt, and South Africa were prominent in HIV/AIDS research. South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Egypt lead in malaria and tuberculosis research.Conclusion: Facilitation of widespread adoption of AI and digital technology in laboratory diagnostics across Africa is critical for maximising patient benefits. It is recommended that governments in Africa allocate more funding for infrastructure and research on AI to serve as a catalyst for innovation.What this study adds: This review provides a comprehensive and context-specific analysis of AI’s application in African healthcare.