By: Emma-Marie
Rwanda is making a major advancement in healthcare by introducing artificial intelligence (AI) to assist its 58,567 community health workers (CHWs) in performing their duties more efficiently and effectively.
On Friday, the Ministry of Health unveiled a new platform that trains CHWs through mobile phones, online courses, and digital tools, replacing the traditional in-person workshops.
While some countries have experimented with similar pilot projects, Rwanda is the first to implement a comprehensive, AI-driven system that trains, supervises, and supports community health workers nationwide.
The main aim is to strengthen healthcare services, making them faster and more accessible to all Rwandans, especially those living in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
What takes This dystem Different?
Previously, CHWs had to attend large, face-to-face training sessions that required time, travel, and significant resources.
Now, with the digital platform, they can:
Learn anytime and anywhere using their mobile devices
Receive immediate guidance and support from their supervisors
Access personalized lessons tailored to their existing knowledge and learning needs
Thanks to AI, the system can suggest additional training when necessary and assess CHWs to confirm their readiness to offer specific health services. Upon completing their training, CHWs will be awarded certificates that highlight their qualifications.
Improved data for enhanced healthcare
The platform is integrated with Rwanda’s community electronic medical records (cEMR) system, allowing CHWs to digitally record patient information. This connection enables early detection of health issues and simplifies the monitoring of CHWs’ activities and performance.
As a result, patients are expected to receive care more quickly, leading to better health outcomes across communities.
Notably, the majority of these health workers are women who serve as the first point of contact for families seeking healthcare, particularly in rural regions.
