Students at the University of Malawi (UNIMA) have developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered stethoscope designed to support the early detection of cardiovascular disease.
The innovation was showcased during a technical engagement between UNIMA's Department of Physics and Electronics and the Global Health Informatics Institute (GHII), held under an ongoing partnership aimed at promoting digital health technologies and student innovation.
The project, titled "AI-Powered Stethoscope for Cardiovascular Screening in Malawi", was developed by final-year Bachelor of Science in Electronics students Steven Chidzanja, Rajab Kingstone Indah and John Nahshon Moyo under the supervision of Dr Dackson Masiyano**.
According to information released by the University of Malawi, the device incorporates an embedded AI system capable of analysing heart sounds and classifying potential cardiovascular abnormalities, helping to support earlier detection of heart-related conditions.
Cardiovascular disease is an increasing public health concern in Malawi and other African countries, where access to specialised diagnostic services remains limited, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Conventional screening often relies on trained specialists and equipment that may not be readily available outside major healthcare facilities.
By combining a traditional stethoscope with embedded AI capable of analysing heart sounds and identifying potential abnormalities, the UNIMA device aims to provide a lower-cost screening tool that could help healthcare workers detect patients requiring further medical assessment.
Presenting the project on behalf of the student team, Chidzanja said significant progress has been made in developing the AI-based heart-sound classification system, which is designed to provide an affordable screening solution suited to Malawi's healthcare environment.
The innovation forms part of a broader collaboration between UNIMA and GHII aimed at bridging the gap between academic learning and practical technology development.
The partnership focuses on strengthening student innovation, industrial attachments, prototyping support and the co-development of healthcare technologies.
UNIMA said the collaboration is helping students gain exposure to real-world challenges while creating opportunities to develop locally relevant digital solutions for the health sector.
The university added that the partnership places emphasis on technologies that are scientifically validated, cost-effective and responsive to Malawi's healthcare needs.
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