Dr. Waljee described a recent National Institute of Health (NIH) grant as evidence of a “profound connection” between the two institutions. “This NIH grant is a testament to the incredible research collaboration between U-M and AKU. Together, we are committed to advancing healthcare and promoting equity in health outcomes for all.”
The NIH grant of $750,000 will fund using artificial intelligence and machine learning to target colorectal cancer diagnostics in Africa. Colorectal cancer is a major concern across Africa, and it often sees delayed diagnosis due to a lack of specialized training and advanced diagnostic tools. With this grant, U-M CGHE and AKU aims to “revolutionize cancer detection methods, bringing faster, more accurate diagnostic solutions to communities in need,” per a CGHE article.
In the fall of 2023, U-M welcomed Princess Zahra Aga Khan and representatives from the AKU campus in Kenya, to Ann Arbor. The visit was organized by the U-M Center for Global Health Equity (CGHE). Senior leadership from the two universities signed a memorandum of understanding and both sides described the visit as building on a collaborative effort to use data science to improve health outcomes in under-resourced settings in sub-Saharan Africa.
Read the U-M CGHE’s 2023 Impact Report.
