Navigating the Underutilisation of AI in African Healthcare: Applications, Challenges, and Ethical Considerations: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

This study examined artificial intelligence (AI) applications for health information service delivery throughout Africa and its subregions. The study aimed to review existing research, identify key AI applications in healthcare, assess their impact in African healthcare, and examine strategies that promote effective, ethical, and equitable integration for sustainable healthcare improvements across the continent. African healthcare systems face obstacles, including restricted access to quality information, shortages of healthcare professionals, and infrastructural limitations. AI presents promising solutions to these challenges. The article comprises a systematic literature review of peer-reviewed research on AI-driven health information service delivery in Africa between 2014 and 2024, examining key AI applications, opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations associated with AI adoption in healthcare, and their influence on health information service delivery. This review examined African healthcare systems’ preparedness for AI adoption, the importance of digital literacy, and the infrastructure that affects AI dissemination. The study also examined ethical considerations, including data privacy, equity, and the risk of widening health disparities. The findings reveal that AI technologies can enhance the accessibility, precision, and efficiency of health information services across Africa, particularly in underserved areas. The primary obstacles to AI adoption include insufficient digital infrastructure, low digital literacy, and socio-cultural hurdles. This review emphasises addressing ethical concerns to ensure that AI-driven health information systems benefit all populations without exacerbating inequality. The review offers insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers. Areas for future research and development were reviewed to ensure sustainable and equitable AI integration across Africa’s healthcare systems. The study recommends that stakeholders invest in digital infrastructure, promote digital literacy, and establish ethical guidelines for successful and equitable AI integration into health information service delivery throughout Africa.

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