Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu: Medicaid announces partnership with Nextwear Technologies with the Smart Bra Cup

Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu shared on LinkedIn:

“Some of the biggest barriers to improved cancer control globally are low awareness, late detection, and poor access to care. The situation is worsened by an increasing workforce crisis, especially in LMICs. According to a recent World Bank report, the workforce gap in Africa is estimated to hit a whopping 6.1M deficit by 2030.

Whilst efforts are being made to train and increase human capacity, we must look towards digital technology and Artificial Intelligence to enhance early detection of cancers. Luckily, a lot of innovation is emerging around us. However, records show that only 2% of data used to train Artificial Intelligence models comes from Africa.

It is in this regard, that I am delighted and proud to announce our partnership with Nextwear Technologies. Nextwear has developed a ‘Smart Bra Cup’, a diagnostic device that uses ultrasound and AI to detect early-stage breast cancer and abnormalities. The device provides a comfortable and effective solution for breast health monitoring at home, improving early detection.

At Medicaid Radio Diagnostic Center, we scan about 400 breasts each year, meaning in our 17 years of operations, we have conducted over 6500 breast scans. This is why our partnership is a sensible one. The huge amount of data can be put to use to save women from breast cancer. We aim to use this memory and future scans to conduct a clinical trial to enhance the accuracy of the breast cup.

Kudos to the innovative skills of Kemisola Bolarinwa and other innovators working in health. Together, we will ensure we employ digital innovation and our ‘Data Saves Lives'”

Source: Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu/LinkedIn

Her Excellency Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu is the First Lady of Kebbi State, a global cancer advocate, a pediatrician, a UICC Board Member, a Founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, and the Chairperson of First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC).

Dr Bagudu is working with the state ministries of health, education, and women affairs to implement programs to sustainably improve menstrual hygiene, girl-child education, economic empowerment of women, and put an end to gender-based violence. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu is a member of the Editorial Board of OncoDaily.