A new AI-powered app is helping doctors diagnose neglected tropical skin diseases (NTDs) in places with few medical resources. Tested in Kenya, the app has boosted healthcare workers’ confidence and reduced stigma among patients.
This project, led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), aims to make skin disease diagnosis more accessible. In the study, 40 healthcare workers in Kenya used the app to analyze 605 skin images from June to October 2024.
The app uses AI to detect 12 neglected skin diseases and 24 common skin conditions with an 80% accuracy rate, similar to expert dermatologists. A survey showed high user satisfaction, with healthcare workers finding the tool helpful in building trust with patients.
Due to its success in Kenya, WHO plans to expand the research to Brazil, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, and India. The app is free to download on Android and iOS, making skin disease diagnosis easier in areas with a shortage of dermatologists.
Source: uoc
