Skip to main content

6th DS-I Africa Consortium Meeting

  • ECR Session: Spotlight on ECR Presentations II

    Facilitator(s)

    183_dsi_4th_consort_me_arm_1_profile_pic_7.jpg

    Dr Jasmit Shah

    UtiliZing health Information for Meaningful impact in East Africa through Data Science

    Dr. Jasmit Shah holds a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Bioinformatics and Biostatistics from University of Louisville (2017), Masters in Bioinformatics and Biostatistics from University of Louisville (2011), and a Bachelors in Mathematics, Statistics and Chemistry from University of South Alabama (2009). He has ten plus years' experience in supervising research and data management, data analysis and statistics. His responsibilities have included conducting research and analyzing data for health solutions; use of statistical methods in observational epidemiological studies, clinical trials and computing applications. He also has experience conducting population level studies in low- and middle-income (LMIC) settings such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Zambia, Mozambique and Pakistan. He is one of the lead trainers for EQUIST 2.0, a tool designed by UNICEF to enable the global health community to address the issue of equity in maternal, newborn and child health, and minimize health disparities among populations and has led the use and evaluation of EQUIST 2.0 in Ethiopia, Mozambique, Zambia and Pakistan. He also has experience with LiST Tool as EQUIST uses LiST for impact projection and certain aspects of costing.

    Headshot_picture.jpg

    Mr Wisdom Akurugu

    DS-I Africa Coordinating Center

    Wisdom Akurugu holds BSc Biochemistry (Single Major) and MSc Bioinformatics degrees. Wisdom is interested in understanding genetic factors that place a person at risk of developing diseases. He has been mining human genetic exome data for variations that may protect or predispose asthmatic children on corticosteroid treatment to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal suppression (HPAS). He is using various Bioinformatics, Computational and Statistical algorithms to identify, annotate and assess the impact of the potential variants on HPAS. Wisdom is enthusiastic about contributing to the effective and efficient treatment of asthmatics on corticosteroids based on his current project. In the near future, he looks to developing Bioinformatics, Computational and Statistical competencies in analysing large-scale robust genomic data. He is opened to collaborations in the areas of genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, structural biology, software development and teaching.

    Speakers

    Oluwaseun-Williams-2.png

    A/Prof Oluwaseun Williams

    Development of an Integrated Spatial-Machine Learning Model for Predicting Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment in Sub-Saharan Africa with an Interactive Web-Based Decision-Support Tool

    Growing Data-science Research in Africa to Stimulate Progress

    Social historian of science, public health and political economy incorporating humans, nonhumans and the environment

    Passport Photograph (Oluwole B. Olajide).jpg

    Mr Oluwole Olajide

    Deep Learning Framework for Sickle Cell Anemia Severity Classification using Microscopic Blood Smear Images

    Data Science and Medical Image Analysis Training for Improved Health Care Delivery in Nigeria

    I am Oluwole Olajide, a passionate doctoral student of Computer Science at the esteemed University of Ibadan. My academic journey is driven by a fervent commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of healthcare, particularly in underserved communities.

    My research pursuits are deeply rooted in Data Science, with a specialized focus on its application in Medical Imaging techniques. Currently, my doctoral research revolves around developing advanced Deep Learning models tailored for the early detection of Sickle Cell Anemia using Chest X-Rays in Nigerian children. This ambitious endeavor reflects my unwavering belief in the transformative power of technology to address pressing healthcare challenges.

    Beyond my primary research focus, I possess a diverse skill set encompassing mathematical modeling of diseases, information retrieval, web application development, and proficient programming in Python. This multidisciplinary expertise enables me to approach complex problems with creativity and innovation.

    My ultimate goal is to revolutionize healthcare delivery by minimizing false positives and negatives, reducing subjectivity, and expediting the diagnostic process through the integration of cutting-edge technology into medical applications. I am deeply committed to making a tangible difference in healthcare outcomes, particularly in Africa, where disparities are most pronounced.

    As I continue to make significant strides in my research journey, I remain steadfast in my dedication to academic excellence and compassionate innovation. I am driven by a profound sense of purpose and envision a future where technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality worldwide.

    1603815487941.jpeg

    Dr Roland Bruno Ngouyamsa Mfondoum

    Socioeconomic and Behavioral factors of Post-Discharge Outcomes Among Trauma Patients in Cameroon

    Harnessing Data Science to Promote Equity in Injury and Surgery for Africa

    Experienced statistician and data scientist with extensive knowledge in Advanced Econometrics and Statistical modelling, with 17 years of work experience in Information Systems Management. Capable of data manipulation, analysis and presentation using Excels PowerPivot, R programming and Python. Hands on various database systems both SQL and No-SQL based. Worked on several projects building and deploying Machine Learning models, creating data products and interactive dashboards using tools such as Tableau public or desktop pro, Excels, Shiny WebApp in R. Experience working on large datasets and using Google Cloud Platform for data engineering and analytics.

    323_dsi_5th_consort_me_arm_1_profile_pic.jpg

    Mr Tendayi Mutangadura

    Data Governance: Embedding SocioTechnical Digital Health in Africa

    eLwazi Open Data Science Platform

    Tendayi began working with H3aBionet as a REDCap Database Developer in June 2022. Prior to working for UCT, he spent 7 years as an implementation specialist developing digital health systems across Africa. He has a wealth of experience with eHealth and digital health system implementation, deployments, training, and support. He graduated from Midlands State University with a BSc (Hons) in Information Systems and from the University of the Western Cape with a MComm in Information Management (Health). His research interests are AI & Health, Data Science for Health, Digital Health and Health Information Systems (HIS) systems focusing on mobile Health (mHealth) applications for pregnant women.

    Tumai.jpg

    Ms Tumai Muzorewa

    The impact of methodological approach and ancestral proximity on PGS performance - trends from a continental African cohort

    Integrated modeLs for Early Risk-prediction in Africa (ILERA) study

    Tumai MUZOREWA, from Zimbabwe, is a human geneticist and PhD candidate at the University of the Witwatersrand who is advancing precision public health across Africa. Her research develops Africa-specific risk prediction models for cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) by integrating African ancestry genetic data with lifestyle and environmental factors using AI. Working with data from over 12,000 individuals across east, west, and southern Africa, she challenges Eurocentric approaches that leave African populations underserved by global health innovation.

    Rapporteur(s)

    634_dsi_5th_consort_me_arm_2_profile_pic.JPG

    Ms Linda Khakali

    UtiliZing health Information for Meaningful impact in East Africa through Data Science

    Linda Khakali is a Project manager at the Brain and Mind Institute, Aga Khan University, with expertise in field research coordination and management. Her passion for advancing knowledge in mental health and substance use is evident in her multifaceted skill set, which spans leadership, grant writing, and qualitative data collection and analysis. Linda holds a master's degree in sociology from the University of Nairobi, which complements her experience in research. Actively engaged in the academic community, she has participated in 8 local and international conferences, where she not only presented her research findings, but her impactful contributions were further recognized when she secured a travel grant to present her work at the esteemed Africa Diaspora Global Mental Health Conference. She volunteered to be a recruitment officer at Mental health fellowship for young and young adults' cohort. Linda has played a crucial role in the writing of grants and manuscripts focused on mental and brain health, as well as substance abuse.

    1516998204327.jpeg

    Mr Karisa Kazungu Kahindi

    UtiliZing health Information for Meaningful impact in East Africa through Data Science

    I hold a BSc in Public Health and work as an Assistant Research Officer, passionate about participatory and socially acceptable approaches to addressing the diverse societal problems of public health concern. I have experience in qualitative research methods, including ethnography, focus group discussions, in depth and key informant interviews, and co creation workshops. At KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP), I coordinate community engagement activities across multiple research projects in Kilifi, including UZIMA DS, conduct qualitative data analysis, and contribute to manuscript development and dissemination of study findings to different stakeholders.