Our processat a glance
Together for a Better Standard of Care
A co-designed, scalable AI solution to strengthen skin NTD care across Sub-Saharan Africa
The SkincAIr project is built around a robust, participatory methodology that integrates cutting-edge technology with local expertise to improve the detection and management of skin-related neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
Our solutions are co-developed with stakeholders in five implementation countries: Kenya, Senegal, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, ensuring it responds to real needs and regional healthcare priorities.
The Fight Against Skin NTDs
Transforming disruptive ideas into realworld impact
Our methodology is grounded in five interconnected pillars:
A Cornerstone for User-Centric Co-Design
From the outset, SkincAIr involves frontline health workers, local healthcare providers, and patients to shape the development of our mobile app. This ensures the end result is culturally appropriate, remains operational in low-resource settings, and is fully aligned with local health systems.
Tailored AI Model Development and Fine-tuning
Using advanced machine learning techniques, we are building novel AI models capable of identifying skin NTDs from mobile-captured images. These models will be trained on a growing dataset of real-world clinical images sourced ethically from the project’s target countries.
Resilient Mobile App Deployment
Our AI models will be embedded in an user-friendly mobile app specifically designed to operate in remote settings with limited connectivity. The app will guide health workers through symptom documentation and assist in preliminary diagnoses—supporting decision-making without replacing clinical judgment.
Geotagging & Data Privacy
SkincAIr integrates privacy-preserving geolocation tools to support real-time epidemiological control, enabling early outbreak detection and unlocking improved resource allocation and emergency response while respecting ethical and legal standards.
Capacity Building & Policy Alignment
Through training, outreach and policy dialogue, the project will build local capacity, foster national and regional NTD advocacy, and promote integration of digital tools into public health strategies.
Phase 1
Design methodology & cultural adequacy
Step 1
Conduct initial fieldwork in all three implementation countries (Kenya, Senegal and Ethiopia) to assess local contexts, health system capacities, and community needs regarding skin NTD detection and management.
Step 2
Apply a participatory, user centred design methodology involving healthcare workers, and stakeholders from the outset to ensure the solution reflects real world workflows, cultural practices, and local priorities.
Step 3
Undertake cultural adequacy assessments to adapt features, interaction flows, visual elements and language of the app to local norms, ensuring inclusivity and usability across diverse settings.
Step 4
Translate field insights into detailed design specifications that guide the technical development phase, maximising adoption potential and alignment with health policies.
Step 5
Validate concept and value proposition of the solution with end users.
Step 6
Apply insights of the validation into design specifications to iterate the design and improve the app.
Phase 2
Clinical data collection
Step 1
Conducting ad hoc training for dermatologists and preparing for data acquisition.
Step 2
Completing a study initiation package, defining protocols and key validation endpoints and obtaining the necessary ethical approvals.
Step 3
Following a systematic approach to image collection and annotation to construct the largest-ever open dataset for skin NTDs.
Step 4
Putting in a place a continuous feedback look with healthcare experts for the monitoring of quality thresholds in image acquisition.
Phase 3
App launch, validation & performance check
Step 1
Introducing the SkincAIr app to the selected health centres to validate its impact on improving diagnostic accuracy and supporting healthcare workers.
Step 2
Continuing the user research phase with two rounds per country involving a minimum of six end-users interacting directly with the SkincAIr app. This step aims to gather insights on the app’s usability, functionality, and cultural relevance.
Step 3
Scaling up the use of the SkincAIr app among front-line healthcare workers and expanding its reach to additional Sub-Saharan African countries by forging strategic partnerships and engaging with key policymakers.
Step 4
Conducting geospatial analysis of the collected skin NTD cases using the location data gathered through the app.