By Our Correspondent - Dodoma
The University of Dodoma (UDOM) is set to pilot AkiliCheck, an artificial intelligence-powered system designed to support mental health screening and diagnosis, with senior university leadership calling for its swift implementation.
The call was made by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic, Research and Consultancy, Prof. Razack Bakari Lokina, during the Second UDOM Scientific Conference on Health (USCHe), held at Magufuli City Hall in Mtumba, Dodoma.
Prof. Lokina visited the exhibition booth of the Artificial Intelligence for Mental Health (AI4MH) project—developers of AkiliCheck—and applauded the team for their innovation and efforts to improve mental healthcare through advanced technologies.
“This is a timely innovation with great potential to transform the way we manage mental health challenges,” Prof. Lokina said. “I urge the team to fast-track its piloting phase at the UDOM Health Centre so that its impact can begin to be felt.”
Developed under the AI4MH research initiative and funded by the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), AkiliCheck uses AI to enhance early identification, screening, and support for individuals facing mental health issues.
Prof. Lokina also highlighted the importance of building stronger partnerships between academic institutions and the health sector, especially in areas where technology can bridge service delivery gaps.
On his part, Dr. Jabhera Matogoro, Coordinator of the AI for Mental Health Laboratory at UDOM, thanked the university’s leadership for its continued support of the project and expressed appreciation for the funding provided by the government through COSTECH.
“We are grateful for the trust placed in us and for the financial support that made this possible,” said Dr. Matogoro. “We now invite stakeholders from different sectors to join us in scaling up innovative solutions for mental health.”
The AI4MH project forms part of a broader national initiative to strengthen mental health services using AI and digital tools. UDOM is expected to be among the first institutions in Tanzania to integrate such technology into a public health setting. Further deployments are planned for health facilities within and outside the country.