On November 15, 2024, I had the distinct honour of joining medical professionals and community leaders at the IRCAD Operations Center, a cutting-edge facility dedicated to advancing minimally invasive surgery and innovative medical technologies in Rwanda. They had an event to showcase breakthroughs in AI, robotics, and real-time surgical techniques that promise to transform healthcare in the country and beyond. I didn’t think I was in an African country—Rwanda.

A visionary presentation by IRCAD leaders

The session began with inspiring presentations from IRCAD’s esteemed leadership team, including the visionary founder, his son who plays a significant role in shaping the future of the organization, the Head of Research, the Executive Director, and the lead of the AI Minimally Invasive Surgery Program. Their combined expertise highlighted IRCAD’s commitment to pioneering minimally invasive surgical techniques and leveraging AI to enhance patient outcomes.

The Ministry of Health representatives and IRCAD’s Managing Director further emphasized the significance of these innovations for Rwanda’s healthcare landscape. The moderator was not only beautiful, she was highly knowledgeable and professional and engaging.

Hands-on experience: A glimpse into the future of screening and surgery

After the theory sessions, we moved into the labs for practical demonstrations. The hands-on experience showcased the latest tools in virtual reality simulations, AI-driven screening devices, and real-time robotic surgeries. The highlight for many participants was observing the precision and control of these advanced systems during live demonstrations.

For me, a pivotal moment came during the AI-enabled ultrasound demonstration, which initially focused on liver screening. I was among volunteers who practiced scanning using the device to demonstrate that the device requires minimal medical skills.

As I used the device, I was struck by its intuitive interface and real-time imaging capabilities. But then, I asked a question that had been on my mind: Could this device be used for breast cancer screening? The response was immediate and unequivocal: "Absolutely!”

In that instant, my reaction was indescribable. It felt as though God had answered a prayer I had long held close to my heart. We know that in Rwanda, mammograms are scarce and inaccessible for many women, especially in rural areas. But here was a device that was affordable, portable, and required minimal medical training—a game-changer in the fight against breast cancer.

New hope for early breast cancer detection in Rwanda

The realization was profound: If I, a non-medical professional, could successfully use this device for liver scanning, imagine the impact we could have if our trained volunteers and community health workers across Rwanda were deployed to use it for breast cancer screening.

This technology offers a tangible solution to one of our greatest challenges—late-stage breast cancer diagnosis. By equipping our volunteers and local health workers with these devices, we can make screening accessible to all women, regardless of where they live, and significantly increase the rates of early detection. The AI portable device has added benefits in diagnosis and avoiding delays in breast cancer care.

A transformative moment for healthcare in Rwanda

The experience at IRCAD Operations Center was not just a demonstration of advanced technology; it was a powerful glimpse into a future where AI and innovation bridge the gap in healthcare disparities. The seamless integration of AI, robotics, and virtual reality heralds a new era in medicine, one that holds immense promise for improving the quality of care across the country.

I left the event feeling both inspired and determined, knowing that this technology could be the key to saving countless lives by making early detection of breast cancer possible even in the most underserved communities. I witnessed a vision of hope and a new chapter for healthcare in Rwanda—one that we at BCIEA are ready to embrace and champion.

The writer is the founder and CEO of Breast Cancer Initiative East Africa (BCIEA).