Sudan’s health system is under severe strain after an almost two‑year civil war. The World Health Organization warns of shortages of medical supplies, a loss of doctors, and damaged or looted facilities. A senior health official from the health ministry says the country is turning to artificial intelligence to help deliver care where normal services no longer reach.
He gave a simple example: AI can examine an x‑ray when no doctor is available, compare it with thousands of stored images and suggest a diagnosis. Many studies show good diagnostic accuracy because the systems use large amounts of data and human clinical experience. The official added that shortages and attacks increase misuse of antibiotics and make drug resistance worse. He said more staff, medicines and new delivery methods are urgently needed.
Difficult words
- shortage — not enough of something neededshortages
- artificial intelligence — computer systems that learn and make decisions
- x‑ray — image of inside the body using radiation
- diagnostic — used to find or identify a health problem
- antibiotic — medicine that kills or stops bacteria growthantibiotics
- drug resistance — when medicines stop working against infections
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you trust AI to read your x‑ray? Why or why not?
- What new delivery methods could help people when normal services do not reach them?
- How would more staff and medicines change care in a damaged health system?
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