Medical experts in Tanzania have called for the adoption of smart technologies into the country’s health system. Their call comes as they introduced AtheroPoint™, a tool powered by Artificial Intelligence, designed to help doctors spot potential heart problems much earlier.
Developers of the tool say it identifies the risk of heart disease early, potentially preventing the need for advanced or emergency medical care. They add that this could alleviate operational pressure on major hospitals.
Dr. Jasjit S. Suri, Chief Executive Officer of CP AtheroPoint, introduced his company's new software tool in Dar es Salaam yesterday, marking its Tanzanian debut. The technology, he said, has been introduced in Ghana and Nigeria.
“Monitoring made simple” isn’t just a slogan; it’s our way of making cardiovascular diagnostics accessible to everyone,” said Dr. Suri.
He further elaborated on the technology’s impact, adding, “This technology empowers clinicians by delivering AI-based insights to detect disease early, particularly where advanced resources are limited.”
Dr. Hery Mwandolela, CEO of Heameda Hospital (left) speaks to stakeholders during the unveiling of AtheroPoint™ in Dar es Salaam. Looking on(right, standing) is Dr. Jasjit S. Suri, Chief Executive Officer of CP AtheroPoint. PHOTO: Basil Media
AtheroPoint™ is not yet in use in Tanzanian hospitals but specialists in heart disease who attended its unveiling say its introduction signals a growing readiness to explore AI tools for early detection and prevention of non-communicable diseases.
Dr. Angela Paul Muhozya, a cardiac anaesthesiologist at JKCI, emphasized the importance of prevention in cardiovascular health in the wake of emerging healthcare technologies such as AtheroPoint™.
“When we talk of cardiovascular diseases, the best approach should be preventing them, not just treatment,” she stated. “Because you treat somebody and they will live for a time, but if you can prevent or detect at an early stage, the outcome is better.”
How does it work?
Think of your body’s essential blood vessels as a network of pipes. Over time, “rust”—what doctors call plaque—can accumulate inside them, restricting blood flow. This buildup, known as atherosclerosis, is a silent threat that often leads to serious issues like heart attacks and strokes.
Schematic diagram depicting the role of non-invasive carotid ultrasound and intravascular ultrasound in the detection of vascular atherosclerosis (Courtesy of AtheroPoint™, Roseville, CA, USA. All credit to Elsevier)
This new tool acts like a highly intelligent detective for your arteries. Through a quick, painless ultrasound scan of your neck, it accurately “sees” and measures even minute amounts of plaque. The tool then combines the data it collects, with other health information to reveal a “Vascular Age,” offering early insight for personalized plans on diet, exercise, or medication to safeguard heart health before minor issues escalate.
Dr. Muhozya, says it has predictive capabilities.
“This tool, which has been introduced today, is based on risk assessment. It means I can test my patient and determine if, for example, they are likely to develop heart disease in the next 10 years, or even in 2 or 3 years,’’ she explains.
« This allows us to guide them on appropriate diet, exercise, and even recommend suitable medication, » she told MedicoPRESS during the unveiling event that brought together experts from Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), JKCI and the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Developers confirmed to MedicoPRESS that AtheroPoint™️ has received approval from the United States’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In a collaborative effort, Heameda Hospital, which is based in Dar es Salaam, brought the company behind the AtheroPoint to Tanzania. The hospital’s chief says it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work with the company to scale-up the technology in Tanzania.
“This partnership demonstrates Heameda Hospital’s commitment to introducing modern medical technologies into the country and strengthening Tanzania’s capacity in the fight against heart disease’’
Dr. Hery Mwandolela, a consultant cardiologist and CEO of Heameda Hospital
Adding : “Artificial intelligence enhances the way we work. It improves both the speed and precision of diagnosis, especially in high-volume environments like ours. This is the future of medicine, and we should embrace it.”
Officials from NHIF were also present, highlighting the importance of building partnerships between innovation, access, and health coverage.
