What Do Health Workers Think About Using AI to Fight Epidemics in Cameroon?

Why This Study Matters

Health workers are central to detecting and managing disease outbreaks. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools become more common in health systems, it’s important to understand how doctors, nurses, lab technicians, and other professionals feel about using AI to help prevent and respond to pandemics and epidemics. Their views can influence how effectively AI is adopted, ensuring that tools for early detection, diagnostics, and decision-making are practical, trusted, and widely used.

This study gathered insights directly from Cameroonian health workers to find out:

• Are they aware of AI?

• Are they open to using it?

• What concerns or hopes do they have?

Who Participated?

Researchers interviewed 494 health workers from seven hospitals across Limbe and Buea Health Districts in Cameroon. Participants included doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, radiologists, and nutritionists. working in both public and private facilities.

What Did They Say?

• Broad support: About 83% support the use of AI in managing health emergencies, especially for early warning, diagnostics, and improved decision-making., enhancing patient management, and reducing waiting times and medical errors.

• Low awareness and training: Only 15.5% felt knowledgeable about AI. Many had never received formal training and wanted training on how to use AI tools effectively.

• Urban-rural differences: Workers in urban facilities were more likely to have heard of AI and use digital tools, highlighting a gap in access and exposure.

• Top concerns:

o Job loss: Over 70% feared AI might replace them.

o Ethical issues: Concerns about privacy, fairness, and how data would be used.

o Technical barriers: Poor infrastructure, including unreliable electricity and internet, was seen as a potential limitation.

• Strong interest in training: Health workers want to learn more and be part of how AI is introduced into their work settings.

Challenges and Considerations

The study highlighted that knowledge gaps, fears of job loss, limited access to quality health data, and lack of AI-specific training could slow adoption. Addressing these challenges requires tailored training programs, ethical guidelines, and strengthened digital infrastructure.

What’s the Takeaway?

Cameroon’s health workforce is open to using AI in the fight against diseases, but they want proper support, training, and reassurance. Their perspective is crucial to designing digital tools that are effective, ethical, and embraced on the ground.

Read the Full Article

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Itoe et al., 2025. Published in Frontiers in Digital Health