ACEPHAP Showcases AI Driven Health Innovations at AI in Health Summit 2026

Africa Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP), Bayero University Kano, showcased three innovative projects exploring the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to healthcare at the AI in Health Summit 2026, held on 19 and 20 October at the TY Danjuma Foundation Building in Abuja, Nigeria.

The summit brought together stakeholders across the health and technology sectors to explore how artificial intelligence can accelerate healthcare innovation, strengthen health systems, and improve health outcomes in Nigeria. ACEPHAP’s participation highlighted the Centre’s commitment to leveraging emerging technologies to address critical public health challenges and advance evidence informed healthcare delivery.

Among the innovations showcased was MamaCare AI, a bilingual, Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) powered intelligent assistant designed to explore ways of improving access to relevant health information in resource limited settings. Abubakar Sadiq Isa presented the project at the ACEPHAP exhibition booth, demonstrating the potential of AI powered conversational tools to make health information more accessible and responsive to the needs of diverse populations.

Also featured was an explainable hybrid machine learning framework for predicting hospital readmission among diabetic patients across multiple outcome categories. Showcased by Ahmad Danjuma, the project combines predictive modelling with explainability to support a better understanding of readmission risks and inform clinical decision making and patient management.

Through the Kano State Surveillance for Evidence and Policy (KASSEP) Project, ACEPHAP also highlighted its work exploring AI driven risk stratification for maternal mortality in Kano State. The initiative demonstrates the potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning to complement public health surveillance, identify women who may be at increased risk, and inform more targeted, evidence informed interventions to improve maternal health outcomes.

Beyond the exhibition, ACEPHAP contributed to expert discussions on the practical application of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Dr. Fatima Mahmud, a research fellow at the Centre, participated as a discussant in a panel session on Artificial Intelligence in Cardiovascular Health and Non Communicable Diseases. The session explored evidence and validation, the integration of AI into clinical care pathways, and opportunities to scale AI enabled solutions within Nigeria’s health system. Drawing on her public health research and health systems experience, Dr. Mahmud contributed perspectives on translating technological innovations into practical, equitable, and evidence informed healthcare solutions.

Prof. Baba Maiyaki also served as a moderator for the best poster presentation panel, contributing to the exchange of research ideas and discussions on emerging health innovations. ACEPHAP’s participation across the exhibition and panel sessions reflected the Centre’s commitment to research collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the responsible application of emerging technologies to public health challenges.

The Centre’s participation in the summit reinforces its commitment to translating research into practical solutions for Nigeria’s pressing health needs. Through its work in maternal health, chronic disease management, and digital health innovation, ACEPHAP continues to contribute to discussions on how artificial intelligence can improve access to health information, strengthen clinical decision making, and support public health planning.

Realizing the potential of AI in healthcare requires robust evidence, appropriate validation, ethical safeguards, and effective integration into existing health systems. Ensuring that these innovations respond to local needs and remain accessible to underserved populations will be essential to their long term impact.

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