WhatsApp chatbot to boost fight against breast cancer

A new WhatsApp-based chatbot named IROZA will launch in Rwanda in October to provide breast cancer information and support, with a particular focus on women. The tool, developed by the Breast Cancer Initiative East Africa (BCIEA), delivers breast health information in Kinyarwanda, English, and French. ALSO READ: Projected global rise in breast cancer by 2050 is a call to action BCIEA developed the chatbot in collaboration with healthcare providers, technology specialists, and community members. Its launch comes amid a rise in breast cancer cases in the country and aims to address the need for accessible health information. Statistics from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) show that breast cancer accounted for 14.6 percent of all cancer cases in Rwanda in 2022, with around 630 cases, including 23 in men. It is the most common cancer among women in Rwanda. Between 2007 and 2023, a total of 5,812 breast cancer cases were recorded in women. Overall, cancer cases rose from 5,361 in 2022 to 5,548 in 2023. ALSO READ: World Breast Cancer Day: Oncologists talk self-examination, why women are more vulnerable “IROZA allows users to ask questions about breast lumps or pain, access information on screening schedules and locations, and receive educational content. The chatbot operates 24/7 on WhatsApp, is free to use, and does not require appointments or in-person visits,” said Philippa Kibugu-Decuir, the founder of BCIEA. She added that IROZA was developed to provide a confidential platform for Rwandan women to ask questions about breast cancer, particularly for those affected by stigma, language barriers, or fear of judgment. Kibugu-Decuir explained that IROZA operates exclusively through WhatsApp, allowing users to access the service without downloading additional apps or visiting separate websites. Unlike global AI platforms with general knowledge, IROZA focuses specifically on breast cancer and provides information based on services and resources available within Rwanda. ALSO READ: Can AI therapy truly help? exploring its promise and limits in Rwanda “The chatbot is designed to communicate in clear, simple language and adapts to the cultural and literacy levels of users. It supports full language switching during conversations, aiming to improve accessibility. Unlike many existing health tech tools that operate mainly in English or French, IROZA includes Kinyarwanda,” she stated. The chatbot provides guidance on breast health concerns, sends screening reminders, and shares information on nearby facilities. It also offers educational content and links to local resources. According to developers, IROZA does not store, track, or share users’ personal information. The privacy measures are intended to encourage use in communities where concerns about confidentiality may discourage individuals from seeking information. “For many women, it’s difficult to ask questions about their breast health, and fear of judgment or being exposed keeps them silent. This chatbot offers a safe way to get information privately,” said Kibugu-Decuir. She added that if a user needs more help, IROZA can connect them to a real person for further support. The chatbot will launch as digital health tools become more common in Rwanda and across Africa. During the COVID-19 pandemic, chatbots and similar services were used to share health information and fight misinformation. But many of these tools only work in English or French and don’t fully suit local needs. The official WhatsApp number for IROZA will be made public in October when the chatbot becomes fully operational. Additional information can be accessed through its landing page: https://iroza.framer.website. In an interview with The New Times, Philbert Murwanashyaka, the Head of Yali Labs, a Rwandan AI company based in Kigali, said the launch of the new chatbot is exciting because it offers more targeted support than general health platforms. “Chatbots that focus on one specific issue tend to provide more accurate information and better support,” he said. Murwanashyaka noted the chatbot’s potential to assist in diagnosis and treatment, especially if it can interpret medical images like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans. He explained that many people find it difficult to understand these scans, so a tool that clarifies what the images show could help users know when to seek medical care and what treatment options are available. He added that the chatbot could boost early detection by helping people recognize breast cancer symptoms. If users begin to identify warning signs and seek advice from the chatbot, many of the late-stage diagnoses common in Rwanda could be avoided. While commending the chatbot’s support for English and French, Murwanashyaka raised concerns about its use of Kinyarwanda. While he hasn’t tested it, he questioned how effectively it handles the language. He explained that Kinyarwanda lacks precise medical terms, and where they do exist, the chatbot needs to present them in a way users can easily understand. Murwanashyaka noted that a small error in translation or information could have serious consequences. “In health, we need accuracy. A slight mistake could lead to misdiagnosis or wrong treatment guidance. With Kinyarwanda, users should still seek confirmation from medical personnel,” he said. However, he acknowledged the importance of breaking the language barrier, noting that interacting in Kinyarwanda makes it more personal and helps build trust, adding that people feel more connected when using their own language. “That trust between the person and the chatbot is important, especially when dealing with something as sensitive as breast cancer.” Murwanashyaka added that it would be great to see chatbot cover cervical cancer and other diseases affecting women. He suggested that integrating the chatbot into platforms used by community health workers would enhance its reach, for instance, a young woman in Gicumbi could know that a mobile clinic is coming next week. “If it connects with the National Health Intelligence Hub, people could receive real-time updates on nearby services.”

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WhatsApp chatbot to boost fight against breast cancer