Nigeria must embrace AI to tackle the chronic disease crisis

Chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and COPD are wreaking havoc across the globe, and Nigeria is no exception. As of 2020, around 64% of Nigerians reported living with at least one chronic illness. These conditions continue to drive up mortality and strain a healthcare system already struggling with limited infrastructure, workforce shortages, and fragmented services—especially in rural communities where medical care is out of reach for many.

We are at a critical crossroads. The time has come for Nigeria to turn to one of the most promising tools of the 21st century: artificial intelligence (AI).

AI has the potential to revolutionize how we manage chronic diseases—making care more proactive, accessible, and tailored to individual needs. While some may still view AI as futuristic or reserved for wealthier nations, the reality is that Nigeria stands to gain tremendously by embracing this technology.

Imagine a diabetic patient in a remote village using an AI-powered glucose monitor that alerts them to dangerous fluctuations before symptoms arise—or a hypertensive individual whose wearable device tracks blood pressure trends and sends timely recommendations straight to their phone. These are not distant dreams. They are tools already being used globally—and they can work here too.

AI systems can analyze real-time data from wearable devices, identify early warning signs, and recommend personalized interventions without requiring constant hospital visits. They can also bridge the human resource gap by enabling remote consultations, especially in under-resourced areas. With predictive analytics, AI can even help health authorities anticipate disease outbreaks and allocate resources where they are needed most.

But innovation means little without implementation.

Nigeria faces serious barriers to widespread AI adoption. Our healthcare systems are too fragmented. Electronic Health Records (EHRs), where they exist at all, often lack interoperability. Without standardized data systems, AI tools cannot function effectively. Moreover, the health data we do collect is frequently incomplete, outdated, or siloed—rendering it nearly useless for AI-driven insights.

To move forward, the Nigerian government must invest in health data infrastructure, enforce data standards, and actively support pilot programs that test AI technologies in real-life settings. These programs should be designed to gather evidence, demonstrate return on investment, and adapt solutions to Nigeria’s unique context.

AI won’t solve all our problems overnight. But it can significantly lighten the burden of chronic disease—if we let it.

With the right commitment, collaboration, and investment, we can harness the power of AI to make healthcare smarter, more inclusive, and more responsive. The choice before us is clear: embrace innovation or remain stuck in systems that are failing millions.