Page 24 - GHES-2-3

Global Health Economics and
Sustainability
AI in antibiotic prescribing in Nigeria

8.2. Energy constraints In addition, people may be wary of sharing their health

Energy constraints represent a significant challenge in the data in the AI systems, out of concern that the data may
Nigerian health-care system, particularly in rural areas. be used in ways they do not agree with (Gille et al., 2015;
Many health-care facilities in rural areas lack reliable Kaplan et al., 2023). However, building trust in AI is
supply of electricity, causing problems such as difficulty possible through several measures, such as:
storing vaccines, running medical equipment, and using (i) Revealing how the AI system works and how the data
diagnostic tests. In addition, the cost of running diesel are used;
generators can be prohibitively expensive for many (ii) Independent audits and reviews of the AI system;
healthcare facilities. As a result, many health-care providers (iii) Delineating a clear protocol for addressing concerns
in rural areas are unable to provide the same level of care as and resolving disputes.
those in urban areas. Therefore, addressing the challenge 8.7. Inadequate on-ground experts
of energy access is essential to fostering the use of AI in
Nigerian health-care settings. The lack of experts in the fields of AI and healthcare in Nigeria
is indeed a problem, further obstructing the development,
8.3. Limited funding implementation, and maintenance of AI systems in the

Funding is another major challenge in the Nigerian health- healthcare sector. In addition, it can be difficult to find
care system. The government currently spends <5% of experts who are familiar with both the health-care system
its gross domestic product (GDP) on healthcare, which and the technical aspects of AI. However, some initiatives
is well below the recommended 15% of GDP. As a result, are working to address this issue, such as the AI4D Africa
many health-care facilities lack the resources; they need to program. This program aims to build capacity in AI and data
provide high-quality care. In addition, the lack of funding science in Africa, with a focus on healthcare (International
has led to a shortage of healthcare workers, with only Development Research Centre, 2024).
1.3 doctors and 2.5 nurses per 10,000 people in Nigeria.
However, AI holds the potential to improve the efficiency 9. Prospects for the implementation of
and effectiveness of the health-care system in Nigeria. AI-EAP in Nigeria

8.4. Acceptability issue 9.1. Efficiency in prescription
The acceptability of AI is another challenge in the Nigerian AI can improve the efficiency of prescription processes in
health-care system. Many people in Nigeria have a lack the Nigerian health-care system. For example, AI-based
of trust in AI-based systems, due to concerns about data systems can be used to assist with medication reconciliation,
privacy and security. Providing education and training on which is the process of comparing a patient’s medications
AI for healthcare providers and patients can help improve against the best possible medication regimen. This can help
the system. to ensure that patients are taking the correct medications
and dosages, and can reduce the risk of medication errors.
8.5. Timing
9.2. Improved efficiency in healthcare settings
Timing is another challenge to applying AI to address in the
Nigerian health-care system. One of the major barriers to If the right systems are in place, AI has the potential to
healthcare in Nigeria is the long waiting times for services, make a real difference in improving health-care outcomes
which can lead to people not seeking care when they need in Nigeria. Not only can it improve efficiency, but it can
it. However, AI-based systems can be used to streamline also help to ensure that patients receive the best possible
the delivery of care and reduce waiting times. For example, care. In addition, AI can be used to assist with data
AI-based triage systems can be used to assess patients and collection and analysis, which can help to identify trends
determine the urgency of their care, allowing for faster and patterns that can inform policy and decision-making.
access to care for those with more urgent needs. In addition, 9.3. Improved security of healthcare delivery to
AI-based systems can be used to schedule appointments
and order tests, shortening the waiting time significantly. rural areas
Accessibility is a huge challenge when it comes to providing
8.6. Lack of trust healthcare in Nigeria, especially in remote and rural areas.
A lack of trust in AI applications is another important Insecurity is also a major issue, which can make it difficult
challenge to the upgrading of healthcare in Nigeria. Many or impossible for healthcare workers to reach those who
people may be reluctant to use AI-based systems, due to need care. AI can help to address this problem by providing
concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the systems. remote diagnosis and monitoring, as well as facilitating the

Volume 2 Issue 3 (2024) 6 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.2602