LEVERAGING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO IMPROVE HEALTHCARE ACCESS AND OUTCOMES IN NORTH EASTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

The healthcare system in northeastern Nigeria faces significant challenges, including limited infrastructure, scarce resources, and inequitable access, particularly in rural and underserved communities. In this context, the strategic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies holds immense potential to address these longstanding gaps and improve healthcare outcomes for the region's population. This research study aims to examine the feasibility and impact of leveraging AI to enhance healthcare access and quality in Northeastern Nigeria. The study employs analytic method. This method is used in comprehensive assessment of the current healthcare landscape, identification of high-impact AI-enabled healthcare opportunities, and an examination of the technical, organizational, and regulatory enablers and barriers to AI integration. The expected results of the study include a detailed evaluation of existing AI-powered healthcare initiatives in the region, an assessment of the digital readiness and infrastructure to support AI deployment, and the development of a strategic roadmap and implementation framework for scaling up AI-enabled healthcare solutions. The findings from this study will provide policymakers, healthcare stakeholders, and technology leaders with a comprehensive understanding of how AI can be leveraged to improve access, quality, and outcomes in the Northeastern Nigerian healthcare sector. The recommendations stemming from this research will inform the development of evidence-based policies, capacity-building initiatives, and collaborative partnerships to enable the responsible and sustainable integration of AI within the region's healthcare landscape.