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Tanzanian innovators develop AI platform to combat mental health issues
What you need to know:
- The platform, known as Akili Check, helps users assess their stress levels and provides guidance on managing symptoms. It also supports healthcare workers by recommending appropriate treatments based on individual assessments.
Dar es Salaam. As mental health concerns grow in Tanzania, a team of innovators from the University of Dodoma (Udom) has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) platform aimed at detecting early signs of mental health issues and guiding users toward timely support.
The platform, known as Akili Check, is currently in its pilot phase and is being tested at four referral hospitals: Muhimbili National Hospital, Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, Milembe Hospital, and Amana Hospital.
Lead researcher Mr Kukwa Malyango told The Citizen on Tuesday at the ongoing 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) that many patients end up in mental health facilities due to a lack of early assessment tools.
“We developed this system to address increasing mental health cases and help prevent advanced conditions by enabling early diagnosis and treatment,” he said.
Data from the World Health Organization shows that more than four million Tanzanians are living with mental health conditions, many of which go undiagnosed due to stigma, resource limitations, and a shortage of trained professionals.
A 2023 report by the Mental Health Tanzania Initiative also showed a 40 percent rise in depression and anxiety among students over the past five years.
Mr Malyango said Akili Check helps users assess their stress levels and provides guidance on managing symptoms. It also supports healthcare workers by recommending appropriate treatments based on individual assessments.
Since the pilot began, over 200 people have been diagnosed and treated using the system. Feedback from the hospitals has been positive, citing the system's ease of use and effectiveness.
Currently, the platform is accessible to users with smartphones and computers. Plans are underway to extend access to basic feature phones for broader reach.
In a related project, Udom researcher Mr Jospeter Jonathan has developed another AI tool to support drug discovery for emerging diseases.
He said the system combines chemistry and bioinformatics to simplify the search for effective treatments, including for complex diseases like cancer.
