The African Health Stories project is using AI technology to assist individuals with Type II diabetes in making personalized lifestyle changes. Diabetes is a growing health issue, impacting nearly 10% of people globally. In South Africa, the situation is particularly concerning: about 12.7% of adults aged 20 to 79 had diabetes in 2019, with the majority being Type 2 diabetes. Factors contributing to this rise include social, economic, and genetic influences. Studies show that making lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and can improve health outcomes even when prevention isn’t feasible. However, many lifestyle recommendations are too generic, making them hard for patients to apply in real life. Communication challenges, especially in lower and middle-income countries, further complicate patient care.
This project aims to harness generative AI to create health stories tailored to the cultural and linguistic needs of patients in South Africa’s Western Cape. Patients and healthcare providers will have access to personalized narratives that address various aspects of diabetes management, allowing for deeper understanding and interaction. By engaging with these stories, patients can learn how to adapt health advice to fit their individual circumstances.
We are partnering with Stellenbosch University, University of Pretoria, and Swansea University to develop a tool that generates these stories in different formats—visual, oral, and text. The objective is to make health information more accessible and relatable. Currently, our AI storytelling tool uses patient data and prompts to craft these narratives. We prioritize a human-centered approach, collaborating with patients and healthcare professionals throughout the development process. We recently held a co-design workshop to gather insights, and we’re preparing to test our first version of this tool, tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by patients in South Africa.
This innovative approach not only addresses the complexities of diabetes management but also reflects a broader trend in healthcare. There’s a growing emphasis on personalized medicine, which tailors treatment to individuals based on their unique characteristics. Research shows that personalized approaches can lead to better compliance and outcomes, making initiatives like ours crucial in fighting chronic diseases like diabetes. As healthcare evolves, projects like African Health Stories play an important role in ensuring patients receive the support and information they need to thrive.
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