Beyond2020, an initiative launched by the Zayed Sustainability Prize, is making strides in improving healthcare access for women in underprivileged communities. Recently, the initiative announced the deployment of AI-powered mammography services across Costa Rica to aid in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
The program aims to conduct approximately 8,000 tests annually using AI-based mammography services, which have been introduced at the Juan Pablo II Medical Centre in Cartago. This move is part of an effort to enhance access to high-quality healthcare for women, particularly those in remote areas.
In addition to static facilities, a mobile unit has been deployed to reach underserved regions across Costa Rica. Operated by CENRAD, this mobile unit has already reached 840 women across 13 locations since its inception in January.
The deployment in Costa Rica is facilitated by Mamotest, the winner of the 2022 Zayed Sustainability Prize. Mamotest, an Argentina-based health-tech enterprise, has been instrumental in providing low-cost healthcare to over 750,000 patients in Latin America.
By extending Mamotest’s services to rural areas with limited resources, Beyond2020 aims to bridge the gap in breast cancer detection and treatment between affluent and disadvantaged communities. Mamotest utilizes artificial intelligence to improve early-stage detection, ensuring timely intervention and potentially saving lives.
The deployment of AI-powered mammography services in Costa Rica represents a significant step towards enhancing women’s quality of life and promoting health equity. Beyond2020 continues to drive positive change in healthcare access, with plans for future initiatives in other countries.