Localising AI for Health: Networks, Research and Capacity Building
November 20, 2026 @ 10:00 – 11:00 CET
Edna Soomre, Dr. Johnblack K. Kabukye
NBIS and SciLifeLab Data Centre arrange an open SciLifeLab AI Seminar Series aimed at knowledge-sharing about Artificial Intelligence and applications in the Life Science community. The seminar series is open to everyone. The seminar is run over Zoom on the third Friday of the month during academic terms, typically between 10 and 11 am, with approx. 45 min presentation and 15 min discussion.
When: October 16, 10:00-11:00
Where: Zoom http://meet.nbis.se/ainw
Speakers: Edna Soomre, Dr. Johnblack K. Kabukye
Abstract
How can AI for health respond to locally identified needs and draw on local expertise? This guest lecture brings together SPIDER’s approach to digital development and practical perspectives from localised AI work in cervical cancer and mental health.
Edna Soomre introduces the pillars of SPIDER’s work—networks, research, and capacity building—and explores how evidence of need, the mobilisation of local talent, and a multi-stakeholder approach can guide locally relevant AI initiatives. Her contribution considers how partnerships can connect research, technical expertise, and practical healthcare needs.
Dr. Johnblack K. Kabukye then draws on his clinical and health informatics experience to discuss localised AI work in cervical cancer and mental health. These examples illustrate the importance of local context, digital health maturity, and integration into existing healthcare services when developing and applying AI.
About the speakers:
Edna Soomre is Head of Partnerships, Innovation & Digital Health at SPIDER, based at Stockholm University’s Department of Computer and Systems Sciences. She brings over 20 years of experience across international development, global health, and human rights. Her academic background spans International Relations and Development Studies, and she holds a master’s degree in International and Comparative Legal Studies. Her work connects partnerships, innovation, and digital health, with a focus on inclusive digital development. She brings a perspective grounded in collaboration across sectors and countries, highlighting the importance of local expertise, capacity building, and ensuring that digital initiatives respond to the needs of the communities they serve.
Dr. Johnblack K. Kabukye is a medical doctor, health informatics specialist, and researcher affiliated with SPIDER at Stockholm University’s Department of Computer and Systems Sciences and the Uganda Cancer Institute. He holds a PhD in Medical Informatics from the University of Amsterdam, an MSc in Health Informatics from Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, and a medical degree from Makerere University in Uganda. He brings over a decade of experience in clinical oncology and digital health research, including clinical practice at the Uganda Cancer Institute. His research focuses on designing, implementing, and evaluating contextually appropriate digital health solutions for healthcare providers and patients in low-resource settings. His work includes patient-support telephone services, and AI-assisted tools for cervical cancer screening. By combining clinical experience with health informatics research, he works to ensure that digital technologies respond to practical healthcare needs and contribute to more accessible and equitable care.
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