Empowering Health Workers with AI Skills
In Nigeria’s South-West geopolitical zone, the National Institute for Research and Treatment (NICRAT) is driving a significant shift in cancer care by equipping health workers with practical skills in artificial intelligence. The initiative aims to bridge gaps in access to advanced cancer treatment and diagnostics by enabling frontline clinicians and support staff to leverage AI tools that support decision-making, imaging analysis, and patient management.
Three-Day Training for Real-World Impact
The intensive three-day program focuses on the practical application of AI in cancer care. Participants engage in hands-on sessions covering data interpretation, the ethical use of AI, patient privacy, and how AI can streamline workflows in busy clinical settings. By demystifying AI, NICRAT hopes to foster confidence among health workers to adopt these technologies in routine practice.
Why AI in Cancer Care Matters in the South-West
Cancer care in many parts of Nigeria faces constraints like limited access to specialists, diagnostic delays, and uneven distribution of resources. AI-powered tools can assist in areas such as image analysis for radiology, predictive modeling for risk assessment, and chat-based patient education. Training health workers to use these tools helps ensure timely referrals, more accurate diagnoses, and personalized care pathways for patients.
Building Sustainable Capacity
NICRAT’s approach centers on sustainability. The program emphasizes local capacity building, practical curricula, and ongoing mentorship to ensure that gains extend beyond the training period. Health facilities in the region are better positioned to integrate AI-assisted workflows into existing cancer care protocols, reducing bottlenecks and enhancing the quality of services.
What Participants Gain
Participants gain a foundational understanding of AI concepts relevant to cancer care, hands-on experience with AI-assisted imaging and data management, and strategies for implementing AI responsibly in clinical settings. The training also covers how AI can support multidisciplinary teams, enabling doctors, nurses, and technicians to collaborate more effectively for patient-centered care.
Looking Ahead
As NICRAT expands its training footprint, the organization aims to collaborate with local universities, hospitals, and health authorities to scale AI literacy across the region. The ultimate goal is to create a workforce capable of leveraging AI to improve screening, diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up care for cancer patients in the South-West and beyond.
