No fewer than 350 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) are set to benefit from the pilot phase of the “Access to Health Initiative for PWDs” through the Koyo Navigate App.
The app is an AI-enabled healthcare service designed to improve access to quality, affordable, and inclusive medical care in Nigeria.
The initiative was unveiled on Monday in Abuja during the inauguration of AI-enabled healthcare services for PWDs, with stakeholders describing it as a practical step toward bridging long-standing healthcare gaps for vulnerable populations. The event was themed, “Inclusive Health through Innovation: Bridging Disability and Technology.”
Delivering the keynote address, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, said the pilot programme would provide beneficiaries with doctor-supervised consultations, AI-driven health guidance, and accessibility features tailored to different categories of disabilities. Represented by Rep. Joshua Gana, Abbas noted that the services, delivered through the Koyo App, would offer beneficiaries greater privacy, dignity, and independence in managing their health.
“For the 350 beneficiaries in this pilot phase, these services are not merely technological upgrades; they are life-changing pathways to dignity, independence, and improved wellbeing,” he said.
The speaker highlighted that Artificial Intelligence has proven effective globally in speeding up diagnostics, supporting early intervention, and enabling personalize care, particularly for persons with disabilities. He said AI applications have enhanced communication for people with speech and hearing impairments, improved mobility through smart assistive devices, and expanded access to rehabilitation and learning for people with various impairments.
According to Abbas, the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to uphold the rights and wellbeing of more than 25 million persons living with disabilities and reflects the theme of the event.
“This launch reminds us that health is not a privilege but a fundamental human right. For too long, PWDs have faced systemic barriers to accessing routine medical care and health information,” he said.
Abbas added that the National Assembly would support efforts to scale up the programme beyond the pilot phase to reach thousands of beneficiaries across the six geopolitical zones. “The 350 beneficiaries comprise 250 women with disabilities and 100 persons with albinism.”
Earlier, the Founder of The Albino Foundation (TAF) Africa, Mr Jake Epelle, said the pilot phase presented a rare opportunity to deliver quality healthcare to PWDs who often lacked access to skilled medical practitioners.
“This is another way of providing quality health delivery for people who would otherwise never have access to it. We want government to partner with organizations that can be trusted to deliver quality healthcare at little or no cost,” Epelle said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Koyo HealthTech, Dr Thomas Cracknell, said the two-month pilot would enable beneficiaries to interact directly with doctors while allowing the platform to learn from users’ lived experiences.
“This period is about speaking directly with you, hearing your opinions, and learning how we can better serve your needs, while ensuring privacy, safety, and medical oversight,” Cracknell said.
Also speaking, the Founder of Cedar Seed Foundation, Ms Lois Auta, urged development partners and donors to support the initiative, particularly in addressing the healthcare needs of women and girls with disabilities.
“This is a moment for inclusion, innovation, and access to healthcare services for persons with disabilities,” she said.
It was reported that beneficiaries will have access to virtual doctor-supervised consultations, AI-driven health support, and mental wellness guidance. The programme will also provide specialist dermatology services, which are particularly vital for persons with albinism who face a high risk of skin-related conditions.
