THE Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) has developed an artificial intelligence system for early detection of cervical cancer with 95 percent accuracy rate— much higher than 79 percent usually achieved by doctors using traditional examinations.

Currently undergoing clinical validation, the AI system marks a major milestone for homegrown innovation in Tanzania’s healthcare sector. Speaking in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, Dr Sang’udi Sang’udi, Co-Founder of Cancer AI at MUHAS, said the system is in the pilot testing phase.

He explained that the technology uses advanced machine-learning algorithms to analyze medical images and detect early signs of cervical cancer with remarkable precision. “This technology could revolutionize care for women in remote areas where access to qualified doctors and diagnostic services is limited,” he said. 

He emphasized that cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancerrelated deaths among women in low and middle-income countries, primarily due to late diagnosis. Dr Sang’udi expressed optimism that the AI system would reduce the workload on healthcare workers and enable doctors to focus more on treatment. 

As part of efforts to accelerate the development and training of the AI system, MUHAS received three Lambda Vector supercomputers, donated by Global Health Labs (GHL)—an initiative supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Gates Ventures. 

Dr Sang’udi said the donation will significantly boost the processing speed of the system, known as Cancer AI, enabling it to analyze large volumes of medical data more efficiently. “It took us two to three weeks to train the system using previous resources. With the new machines, we’ll be able to process data and generate insights in a much shorter time,” he noted. 

Dr Deogratius Mzurikwao, Head of the Biomedical Engineering Department at MUHAS, said the addition of the three supercomputers brings the university’s total to 11 high-performance  machines, all contributing to the development of AI technologies in healthcare. 

“We’ve already developed a system for early detection of breast cancer using these computers and local data. Another system for diagnosing heart disease is currently in trial phase,” he said. 

MUHAS Vice Chancellor Prof. Appolinary Kamuhabwa reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting its innovation unit to ensure that the technologies developed continue to transform healthcare delivery in Tanzania. 

He also commended the government for fostering an enabling environment that encourages collaboration between local institutions and international partners in advancing health innovation.