by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – ARTIFICIAL Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a vital tool in South Africa’s fight against cardiovascular disease, as the country grapples with an alarming shortage of specialists and a rising burden of heart-related illnesses among younger populations.
Dr David Jankelow, past president of the South African Heart Association, described the crisis as “a tsunami overwhelming both public and private facilities,” pointing to the country’s ratio of just 200 cardiologists for 63 million people – roughly one for every 315,000 citizens.
“Specialists are clustered in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, leaving rural communities with almost no access,” he warned.
The challenge is compounded by urbanisation, fast food culture and stress, which are pushing hypertension, obesity and diabetes into younger age groups.
“We are now seeing heart disease in people in their 20s and 30s, a generation that should be most productive,” Jankelow added.
AI is increasingly being viewed as a modern-day stethoscope. By interpreting ECGs, analysing smartphone images, or triaging patients in busy wards, AI can flag irregularities earlier, support fatigued staff, and extend scarce expertise into under-resourced clinics.
“Like the stethoscope 200 years ago, AI makes the invisible visible,” noted Jankelow.
Technology firms are playing a role in building this future. On a visit to Huawei’s innovation campuses in China, local networking company Blue Networks and Infrastructure (BNI) observed how 5G-powered telemedicine and smart hospital systems are transforming access to care.
Closer to home, the Heart Association piloted AI-enabled screenings at Bara Taxi Rank in Soweto.
“For many drivers, this was their first heart check,” Jankelow said. “It revealed the deep gaps in access for disadvantaged communities.”
Experts agree AI cannot replace doctors but can amplify them.
“Algorithms process data; clinicians bring empathy and judgement. Together, they can build a more equitable, preventative healthcare system,” Jankelow concluded.
– CAJ News