A Data-Driven Approach to Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Africa
- Welcome and Opening Remarks
- Time: 5 minutes
- Presenter: Michelle Skelton
- Affiliation: DS-I Africa CC
- A National Digital Health Vision – SDG 3
- Time: 15 minutes
- Presenter: Job Nyangena Nyameino
- Affiliation: Kenyan Ministry of Health
- Harnessing Big Data and Digital Platforms to improve healthcare outcomes – SDG 3, 4, 8, 9
- Time: 20 minutes
- Presenters: Amina Abubakar and Rumi Chunara
- Affiliation: UZIMA-DS/DSSD
- Innovative Data Science Solutions in Healthcare – the next generation of Data Scientist – SDG 9
- Time: 20 minutes
- Presenter: Joyce Nabenda and Akbar Waljee
- Affiliation: UZIMA-DS/MakDARTA
- AI on the Spectrum & AI Governance: Balancing Innovation and Responsibility in Health Research – SDG 17
- Time: 15 minutes
- Presenter: Keymanthri Moodley
- Affiliation: REDSSA & WHO
- Panel Discussion with Q & A: Interdisciplinary Collaboration Yields Progress
- Time: 45 minutes
- All speakers
Abstract
Scope:
Developing data-driven solutions to address the challenges outlined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals involves building strong research capacity, infrastructure, and good governance to create enabling environments that support partnerships working to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable and marginalized communities. This session will demonstrate how a network of interdisciplinary researchers collaborate to harness data assets to develop sustainable healthcare solutions, how local governments create enabling environments for digital transformation, and how we navigate the rapidly changing landscape of AI governance and regulation.
Aims
The session Aims to
1. Highlight how data science can be leveraged to improve health outcomes and quality of life, contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
2. Demonstrate how building data science capacity and developing specialized skills can drive innovation in healthcare infrastructure and grow a knowledge-based economy, aligning with SDGs 4 (Quality Education), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).
3. Foster partnerships with diverse stakeholders to ensure responsible data governance and ethical use of AI in healthcare, promoting public trust and aligning with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
4. Harness and develop high-quality African datasets toward local AI solutions to solve critical healthcare challenges in Africa.
5. Demonstrate how interdisciplinary partnerships across academia, industry, civil society, and governments can strengthen health systems.
Program Structure
Session Chairs Deshen Moodley & Dirk Brand
Closing Remarks and Adjournment
Recap of key points
Thank speakers and attendees Meeting adjourned.