NTL HEALTHCARE said discussions at a Johannesburg health expo explored possible local use of its CerviCARE AI system as it pursues a South African base for expansion across Africa.
The South Korean company demonstrated the system at WHX Johannesburg, held Oct. 6-8 at Gallagher Convention Centre. It said more than 200 people affiliated with distributors, healthcare institutions and policy organizations visited its booth. The figure counts people, not distinct organizations.
The software examines cervical images and flags suspected lesions. A 2024 study published in Scientific Reports reported 98% sensitivity and 95.5% specificity for high-risk lesions. The researchers evaluated selected, expert-validated images retrospectively and called for prospective research to assess use in clinical settings.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated 604,000 new cervical cancer cases and about 280,000 deaths worldwide in 2024. It says unequal access to HPV vaccination, screening and treatment contributes to the disease’s uneven burden. Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women in 26 countries, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of other regions.
WHO recommends regular screening and timely treatment of precancerous lesions. WHO’s 2030 targets call for vaccinating 90% of girls against HPV by age 15, screening 70% of women by ages 35 and 45, and treating 90% of women with precancer or invasive cancer, putting countries on a path toward elimination in the coming decades.
NTL HEALTHCARE is building its regional strategy on company-reported pilot projects in Zambia, Uganda and Tanzania. It described discussions with South African policymakers and academic representatives as covering implementation and possible collaboration. The company’s release announced no South African deal or regulatory approval.
NTL HEALTHCARE said it plans to coordinate with partners on regulatory requirements, training and preparations for operating the system. It gave no date for an approval or adoption decision.
