Setting the Standard: A Framework for AI-Based Diagnostics

Friday, December 5, 2025 11:25 - 12:25 EAT Trademark Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya Hybrid

Concept

This session aims to present and discuss the Data Standard Framework for AI-Based Diagnostics as a strategic reference for countries and partners implementing AI-enabled health systems. The framework provides comprehensive guidance across the data lifecycle, from collection and annotation to validation, integration, sharing, and continuous monitoring; while embedding safeguards for privacy, ethics, and interoperability.

Through an interactive discussion with country representatives, digital health implementers, and AI experts, the session will explore the importance of the framework, including how it can be localized, scaled, and institutionalized to support equitable AI adoption. It will also examine how the principles of responsible data stewardship can be operationalized to ensure that no population is left behind in the digital transformation of health systems.

Objectives:

Introduce the Data Standard Framework for AI-based diagnostics.
Share implementation experiences, highlighting key challenges and opportunities.
Engage partners, implementers, and policymakers to provide diverse perspectives.
Explore future directions for integrating the framework into health ecosystems.

Event Agenda

Time	Title
11:25-11:30	Welcome & Opening AI Today – The promise, challenges, and need for stronger data foundations
11:30-11:40	Introducing the Data Standard Framework A roadmap to ethical, interoperable, and trustworthy diagnostic AI systems—presenting the framework’s purpose, key components, and the principles guiding government preparedness and data stewardship
11:40-12:05	Panel Discussion 1. Data governance, trust, and preparedness: How can countries embed ethics, consent, and privacy into diagnostic data pipelines? What governance structures and policies are essential for responsible AI adoption? 2. Ensuring equity and data diversity: What strategies ensure diversity and inclusion in AI training datasets, so all populations are represented? 3. Interoperability, standards, and managing data drift: How can countries harmonize health and AI data systems using FAIR and WHO SMART guidelines? What ongoing mechanisms will monitor AI performance and address data drift? 4. Country experiences and lessons from implementation: What lessons have emerged from countries integrating AI-based diagnostics into national health systems, and how can these guide scalable, sustainable adoption elsewhere? Interactive Q&A (5’) - Huguette Open the floor for two questions to the panellists
12:05-12:25	Collaborative dialogue Engage participants in lessons-learned / experiences sharing, and idea-sharing to further develop the Data Standard Framework Closing statement Recap key insights and actionable takeaways to drive forward responsible, equitable AI adoption in diagnostics Take home message

Confirmed Speakers


	Dr. Aurélien Mace, AI for Health Lead at FIND (Presenter) Dr. Aurélien Macé leads AI in health activities at FIND, focusing on developing and evaluating AI-driven solutions to improve diagnostics and healthcare delivery in LMICs. Since joining FIND in 2016, he has shaped the organization’s data strategy and digital transformation efforts and previously led clinical data collection for more than 50 studies across LMICs. His background spans engineering, artificial intelligence, and bioinformatics, with degrees from Centrale Nantes, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and a PhD from the University of Lausanne. He is passionate about leveraging AI to tackle real-world health challenges and advance equitable access to care.
	Huguette Diakabana, Founder and CEO of The Luminous Agency (Moderator) Huguette is a global health and digital transformation practitioner dedicated to connecting people to quality healthcare and life-saving technologies. She has deployed technology-based solutions in education, community development, and health across 20+ countries in Africa and Latin America. Former Co-Chair of WHO’s Digital Health Technical Advisory Group, she now works with organizations and governments to leverage data for better health services. Huguette is also a Senior Fellow at the Aspen Institute and faculty at Harvard Medical School.
	Jacklynne Anyango Ogutu, Head of Digital Health Solutions at World Diabetes Foundation (Panelist) With over fifteen years healthcare experience, Jackie is specialized in leading multi-stakeholder projects, executing product strategies, developing and deploying digital health solutions. She is currently the Head of Digital health Solutions at the World Diabetes Foundation leading the implementation of digital transformation projects towards health systems strengthening in low and middle-income counties. Her passion lies in human-centred innovations, focusing on addressing challenges faced by people living with chronic illnesses, particularly in low resource settings.
	Kirsten Mathieson, Deputy Director and Policy Lead at Transform Health (Panelist) Kirsten specializes in driving digital health transformation to advance Universal Health Coverage. As Deputy Director and Policy Lead at Transform Health, she leads global advocacy on health data governance, digital health investment, and digital health as an enabler and accelerator of UHC progress, representing the coalition in key international forums. With 20 years’ experience in health policy and advocacy, Kirsten previously held senior roles at Save the Children and worked with UN agencies. She is committed to shaping equitable, inclusive health systems through digital innovation and strong multi-stakeholder collaboration.
	Dr Shikoh Gitau, CEO of Qhala (Panelist) Shikoh is CEO of Qhala, a Nairobi-based digital innovation company advising governments and industry on data, AI, and digital transformation, with a strong focus on health. A Kenyan computer scientist, she previously led Safaricom’s Alpha innovation hub and supported the African Development Bank’s Digital Government Blueprint. Shikoh contributes to Africa-wide AI strategy with the African Union and private sector, and works nationally on AI-powered healthcare, as well as with the Lancet Commission on HIV and AI.
	Dr Olasupo Oyedepo, Co-Founder and Director of the African Alliance of Digital Health Networks (Panelist) Olasupo Oyedepo or “shoopo" is a technology strategist with over 20 years of experience working across digital transformations. He has led multiple digital health projects and programmes, across Africa, and globally. An ardent believer in the power of technology to bridge gaps and optimise processes, he believes this transformational power of technology should have appropriate country context, ownership and governance, if these investments are to be sustainable and impactful. With an MSc in digital health governance, and PhD in Ethical Artificial Intelligence he leads the Innovation and Technology for Development (T4D and currently supports infectious diseases (TB, HIV/AIDS) and AI programs. He is on the Editorial Board of the Oxford Open Digital Health Journal; and the Advisory Board of Simprints, UK.
	Steven Wanyee, CEO of IntelliSOFT Consulting (Closing Remarks) Steven is a biomedical and health informatics professional with over 25 years’ experience advancing digital health across Africa. He has supported more than 20 Ministries of Health in developing policies, strategies, and standards, and leads IntelliSOFT Consulting, a Nairobi-based digital health engineering firm he founded in 2007. Steven is President of HELINA and Founder Secretary General of the Kenya Health Informatics Association. He works globally with WHO, UNICEF, and other partners, championing ethical AI and health informatics standards.