Saudi Arabia to develop AI and data science solution for tackling tuberculosis

Japan-based Recursive Inc., a developer of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that facilitate sustainable business transformation, has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), the largest medical research institution in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a part of the Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS) and connected to Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, a nation-wide healthcare system with specialised hospitals and transplant centres and a network of primary to tertiary care hospitals across Saudi Arabia, to jointly develop an advanced AI system for the early screening of tuberculosis (TB).

Recursive will support KAIMRC in developing an AI system that enhances the early detection of TB, improves the accuracy and speed of diagnosis, and accelerates research and prediction capabilities. Together, both organisations aim to contribute significantly to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which includes transforming the nation’s healthcare system and improving the quality of life for its citizens. This partnership also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.

Through co-development efforts between KAIMRC scientists, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA) physicians, and Recursive, chest X-ray imaging data will be utilised to enhance early screening and detection of TB. This collaborative approach aims to facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment, reducing the risk of mortality and preventing further transmission.

This collaboration aims not only to enhance TB diagnosis within Saudi Arabia but also to create a scalable model that can be deployed in other regions with high TB burdens. Furthermore, these collaborative efforts aim to expand this AI-powered and data science approaches to address other infectious diseases, fostering innovation that strengthens global healthcare systems and drives broader public health advancements.