AstraZeneca and Medsol AI Solutions have announced a partnership to launch Project Flamingo and the BHF Tintswalo initiative, a cancer care app designed to provide rapid diagnosis and personalised care for individuals in rural areas. This partnership leverages AstraZeneca’s healthcare expertise and Medsol AI Solutions’ advanced artificial intelligence technology to address the urgent need for accessible and efficient cancer care in underserved communities.
Given that cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, the initiative aims to promote timely diagnosis and treatment to improve patient outcomes. It is particularly beneficial for people living in rural and remote areas who often encounter significant barriers to accessing specialised healthcare services, resulting in delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Over the past 20 years, the incidence of breast cancer in South Africa has steadily increased, making up 21.46% of all new cancer cases.
The National Cancer Registry reports an average of 6,849 new cases annually, with incidence rates of 19.89% in white women, 20.87% in black women, 26.63% in coloured women, and 35.44% in Indian women. This rising trend prompted the South African National Department of Health to prioritise the disease and develop the National Breast Cancer Policy Guidelines.
“We are thrilled to join forces with Medsol AI Solutions in this groundbreaking endeavour. By combining AstraZeneca’s commitment to advancing healthcare with Medsol AI Solutions’ innovative technology, we aim to pioneer accessible and effective cancer care solutions in rural South Africa,” Deepak Arora, Country president African Cluster at AstraZeneca, stated.
“Through this initiative, we aspire to not only improve health outcomes but also to empower individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to proactively manage their health. This collaboration underscores our dedication to driving meaningful change and fostering a healthier future for communities across South Africa.”
The Breast AI app offers real-time breast ultrasound scanning with predictive analysis of possible malignancies at an accuracy rate of 97.6%. It features wireless, built-in WiFi ultrasound probe technology. The app leverages AI algorithms to enable remote screening and diagnosis of breast cancer. By using a smartphone or tablet, users can input their symptoms and medical history, which the AI then analyses to provide a preliminary diagnosis. This rapid assessment empowers individuals to take proactive steps towards seeking appropriate medical attention without extensive travel or long wait times.
“We are excited to partner with Medsol AI Solutions to launch this transformative innovation. By harnessing the power of AI technology, we aim to democratise access to high-quality healthcare services and improve health outcomes for individuals living in rural areas. We believe it will curb hesitancy towards screening and increase survival rates,” Dr. Mashilane Khomotso, Medical Director, African Cluster (SA, SSA, FSA) at AstraZeneca, said.
The collaboration between AstraZeneca and Medsol AI Solutions is poised to make a substantial impact on breast cancer care in underserved communities. Through the innovative use of AI technology, the initiative offers the potential for early diagnosis and treatment, ultimately improving health outcomes and quality of life for countless individuals. This effort represents a significant step forward in addressing health disparities and enhancing the quality of care for individuals across South Africa.
MedSol AI CEO Dr. Kathryn Malherbe added, “At Medsol AI Solutions, we are committed to leveraging AI for social good, and our collaboration with AstraZeneca exemplifies this commitment. Building trust with patients is key to us. We will not relent in building engagements within these marginalised communities to educate them on the need for regular check-ups and not just seeing a doctor only when there is a problem.”
