The Federal Government has trained 150 health personnel on leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), to enhance cancer treatment and management in Gombe State.
The three-day training exercise is being implemented through the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT).
Its Director-General, Prof. Usman Aliyu, said this at the inauguration of the exercise on Wednesday in Gombe.
He said the institute expanded the scope of the exercise to 150 from the initial 90 participants in view of interests shown by the health personnel in the state.
Represented by Prof. Adamu Danladi, a consultant with NICRAT, Aliyu said the exercise was part of initiatives aimed at improving and providing outstanding cancer care services in the country.
He said the capacity building programme demonstrated the institute’s commitment to using innovation and technology to improve cancer outcomes in Nigeria.
According to Aliyu, AI is transforming healthcare, especially in cancer care by improving early detection, diagnostics and personalised treatments.
He said that AI was helping healthcare workers understand cancer biology better, identify high risk groups and develop targeted strategies.
The director said the role of AI in cancer treatment was crucial, stressing that the institute was eager to explore its possibilities in Nigeria.
“This capacity building programme aims to equip healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to utilise AI in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
“Over the coming days, participants will participate in intensive training sessions, exchanging knowledge and best practices in AI applications for cancer care.
“We anticipate this programme will create a ripple effect, enabling healthcare professionals nationwide to deliver better care for cancer patients,” he said.
Aliyu restated commitment to provide excellent cancer care to reduce cancer related deaths in the state and the country.
“The institute will continue to innovate, collaborate and pursue new opportunities. I encourage all stakeholders to join us on this journey. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of Nigerians affected by cancer,” he said.
One of the participant, Mrs Farida Bala, Radiotherapy and Oncology Department, Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe (FTHG), lauded the gesture, adding the intervention would ensure effective cancer management and treatment in the state.
Bala said the exercise would exposed them to AI skills to enable them to manage the new machines and modern facilities at the new oncology complex.
“We will be able to apply the knowledge acquired from this training and integrate the knowledge of AI into the work we are going to be carrying out with the new machines and ensure efficiency in cancer healthcare.
