Ho Technical University students place seventh with kidney disease AI

A six-member team of female engineering students from Ho Technical University (HTU) has secured the seventh position out of 19 competing institutions at a national Women in Engineering competition. Held in Ho, the competition provided a platform for female innovators to showcase technical solutions to real-world problems. The HTU team distinguished themselves by presenting a health-focused technological innovation aimed at improving diagnostic outcomes for chronic conditions.

The team’s entry, an AI-powered prototype named NephroScan GH, was designed to address the growing challenge of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Led by Madam Sesinam Kumako, the students developed the software to predict the risk level of CKD by analyzing full blood count (FBC) data. This approach leverages artificial intelligence to interpret standard medical tests, potentially offering a more accessible screening tool for healthcare providers in resource-constrained environments.

The achievement highlights the increasing role of artificial intelligence in addressing critical healthcare challenges within Ghana. By placing in the top ten of a competitive field of 19 universities, the HTU team demonstrated the practical application of engineering and computer science in the medical field. The project underscores the importance of fostering female participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and the potential for student-led innovations to contribute to national health security.