Kenya acquires retinal scanner for hypertension, diabetes diagnosis

Local experts will start using noninvasive technology to curb the rising diabetes and hypertension burden in the country.

The Health ministry on Monday received the equipment from AstraZeneca which leverages on retinal scanning technology to predict the risk or presence of complications arising from hypertension and diabetes as opposed to the invasive screening methods currently in use.

A single retinal scan will be able to identify the risk or presence of complications thus strengthen the local research capacity and improve the screening for NCDs in the country.

Other than hypertension and diabetes, the digital Non Mydriatic camera will also be able to predict risks like eye conditions.

“The use and evaluation of this digital Non Mydriatic camera will expand innovation in early detection of systemic complications manifesting as eye disease thus effectively controlling an important health problem,” Health CAS Rashid Aman said.

Researchers at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)/ the University of Nairobi (UON) and the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUHN) will use the machine.

Traditionally, hypertension - commonly known as high blood pressure - is screened using a blood pressure measuring device attached to a cuff wrapped around the upper left arm.

Diabetes, on the other hand, is screened by taking a blood sample which is invasive, more costly, and requires a longer turnaround time for results.

People who dislike needles may also avoid the procedure.

With the new equipment, screening for hypertension and diabetes will be carried out by scanning an individual’s retina simultaneously.

The image will then be processed through an online database stored in a cloud and compared to millions of other retinal scans by Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in order to predict whether the individual has any of the conditions.

It is fast, non-invasive and potentially cost-effective especially for large scale population  screenings in the long run.

"Access to healthcare is a key sustainability pillar for AstraZeneca and we are continuously leveraging science to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of healthcare systems," Ashling Mulvaney said.

Mulvaney is the Vice President, Global Sustainability and Access to Healthcare at AstraZeneca.

According to the ministry, diabetes prevalence has been on the rise from two per cent in 2015, and is currently at 3.3 per cent with experts estimating a further increase to 4.5 per cent by 2025.

The prevalence of hypertension also remains high as one in four persons is known to be hypertensive in Kenya, although only eight per cent are on treatment and four per cent have achieved control.