Encouraging Results from WHO Skin NTDs App Study in Kenya

The WHO and Kenya’s Ministry of Health explored initial results from the WHO Skin NTDs App, powered by two AI algorithms, in a ground-breaking study across five Kenyan counties. Involving 40 health workers and over 600 skin lesion images, the App demonstrated about 80% sensitivity in diagnosis, reflecting its potential contribution to skin disease management. Positive feedback indicated enhanced confidence and empowerment among healthcare professionals using the App.

The World Health Organization (WHO) convened with Kenya’s Ministry of Health on November 25, 2024, to evaluate the initial outcomes of the WHO Skin NTDs App, which is driven by dual artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. This pioneering study, undertaken with partners such as TDR, the Open University of Catalonia, and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), marks the first simultaneous assessment of two distinct AI algorithms aimed at addressing skin-related neglected tropical diseases.

Conducted across five counties in Kenya, the study enlisted 40 frontline health workers who collected 605 skin lesion images from patients during the months of June to October 2024. The results revealed an average sensitivity of approximately 80% for both algorithms when aligned with diagnoses made by three certified dermatologists. This statistic underscores the potential of the AI algorithms in aiding diagnosis and management of skin conditions in a setting where dermatological expertise is scarce.

Dr. Joyce Onsongo, the WHO NTD officer in Kenya, noted the significance of skin diseases in public healthcare, contributing to about 10–30% of outpatient consultations in the country. The WHO Skin NTDs App aims to enhance healthcare workers’ ability to manage these diseases effectively. Dr. José Antonio Ruiz Postigo, Medical Officer of the WHO Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, expressed optimism regarding the study’s swift execution and preliminary findings.

Beyond evaluating algorithm performance, the research also extracted feedback from the participating health workers about their experiences with the mobile application. The User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS) yielded an encouraging mean score of 3.82 out of 5, while focus group assessments indicated an impressive score of 8 out of 10. Healthcare professionals reported heightened empowerment and confidence in diagnosing skin conditions due to the App’s support.

Professor Carme Carrion, Principal Investigator at the Open University of Catalonia, emphasized the App’s positive impact on the self-esteem of health workers, while Dr. Ruth Nyangacha from KEMRI remarked on its role in strengthening trust between affected individuals and healthcare providers.

Looking ahead, WHO commits to undertaking a detailed analysis of these findings to inform future initiatives. Plans are underway to extend similar assessments in Brazil, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, and India in the coming biennium, enabling a broader evaluation of the AI algorithms in diverse epidemiological contexts.

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) contribute significantly to the global burden of illnesses, particularly in lower-income countries where access to qualified dermatological care is limited. Skin NTDs represent a substantial component of this issue, often leading to stigmatization and social isolation among affected individuals. The integration of technology, particularly AI, into healthcare has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance disease recognition and management by frontline health workers in remote areas where specialist care is not readily available. The WHO Skin NTDs App, which harnesses two AI algorithms for diagnosing skin conditions, aims to bridge this gap and empower healthcare professionals in their practice.

The study underscores the vital role that innovative technologies like the WHO Skin NTDs App can play in transforming healthcare delivery for skin NTDs in Kenya. With an encouraging average sensitivity of approximately 80% and positive feedback from health workers, this initiative demonstrates the potential of AI to enhance diagnostic capabilities in contexts with limited dermatological resources. The WHO’s future plans to broaden the study into other countries signify a commitment to leveraging technology in the fight against neglected tropical diseases globally.

Original Source: www.who.int