Digital Health master's programme director Doris Kaljuste explained that while Estonia is in the top of the world with its digital health solutions and TalTech has extensive experience teaching digital health at the master's level, she sees this as a learning project as well. "Uganda is moving forward at a good pace and in many ways we are at the same starting position," Kaljuste added.
She cited an example from a visit to the Kisenyi Health Center in Kampala: "They were using a mobile X-ray device that analyzes patient X-ray images using artificial intelligence – and this is already in everyday clinical practice. The device was provided to the health center by Uganda's Ministry of Health, which illustrates the country's support for healthcare innovation."
Kaljuste pointed out that the adoption of artificial intelligence also affects teaching: "We need to change our teaching methods: how to make the best use of artificial intelligence, rather than simply telling students 'don't use AI'. In this regard, we have the same starting point and both Ugandan and Estonian lecturers can learn together."
TalTech e-health professor Dr. Peeter Ross noted that the project's support so far acts as external validation, demonstrating the high value of the Digital Health master's program.
Makerere University School of Public Health health informatics master's programme coordinator Irene Wanyana added: "The health informatics master's program has been taught since 2016, and we are proud of its contribution to advancing digital health in Uganda."
Irene noted similarities identified between the two curricula during the project, as well as unique areas where they can learn from each other – particularly regarding job creation and promoting innovation among students. " Through this collaboration, we see the key role of partnerships in advancing digital health education in a fast-moving technological environment," Wanyana confirmed.
This article was first published on 19 September by TalTech.
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