Rwandan innovators fight diabetes amputations with tech
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In Rwanda, Prisca Nikuze and a team of young innovators created NEEM, a health-tech initiative designed to prevent diabetes-related amputations.
Nikuze initially pursued medicine to help people with diabetes, but later studied prosthetics and orthotics at university. During a clinical internship at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), she observed that six out of ten patients needing prosthetics had diabetes, prompting her to seek earlier detection methods.
The NEEM team developed a smart insole containing sensors that measure pressure, temperature, and blood oxygen saturation in the feet. These measurements are analyzed to detect early warning signs of potential injuries or impaired blood flow, alerting both the patient and healthcare provider. While still in the testing phase with patients at Sayashika and Muhima Hospital, the team is confident the technology can make a difference.
Nikuze witnessed the devastating impact of late-stage diabetes firsthand, recalling a patient unaware of her condition who lost both limbs. Beyond the physical and financial burdens of amputation, she emphasizes the importance of addressing non-communicable diseases like diabetes urgently. After refining their initial prototype with support from Hanga Pitch Fest, winning Rwf20 million, the team is expanding their work to include patient support, nutrition guidance, and a dedicated app.
Nikuze believes giving young innovators opportunities to collaborate is essential to advancing healthcare solutions.
