Abstract

This paper looks into the implications of AI-powered telehealth tools on public health in Nigeria, particularly how it can broaden access to health services and tackle fundamental public health issues. The review synthesized research conducted between 2017 and 2021 from PubMed, Google Scholar, ProQuest, and various institutional repositories. Most studies were centered around the applications of AI technologies and telehealth tools in Nigeria and general international health systems. Important findings suggest AI-powered telehealth tools are efficiently utilized in resource-poor settings, particularly in underserved communities with limited access to healthcare services. However, these technologies face substantial implementation hurdles such as digital illiteracy, privacy issues, poor infrastructural facilities, and scanty telecommunication systems. Beyond these challenges, AI-powered telehealth tools have the potential to relieve the burden of lifestyle diseases and decrease the strain on Nigeria’s healthcare workforce, while increasing healthcare accessibility and compensating for the gap caused by the brain drain. The review highlights a dearth of literature concerning Nigeria, which signals the need for more region-focused studies. The review concludes that greatly transforming Nigeria’s public health system with AI will require significant efforts, including policy frameworks, heightened digital literacy, public awareness campaigns, improved infrastructure, and focused integration approaches to make sustained efforts towards the successful adoption of such technologies. Subsequent studies should prioritize exploring the unique challenges posed by the integration of artificial intelligence into the healthcare system of Nigeria.