NTL Healthcare Proposes AI Cervical Cancer Screening in South Africa

NTL Healthcare introduced its AI-powered cervical cancer screening solution at the 2026 Korea-South Africa Future Dialogue in Pretoria. The event, co-hosted by the Korean Embassy and Korea-Africa Foundation, focused on AI's role in public health innovation.

Sang-Uk Yoon, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. at the Korean Embassy, emphasized the complementary strengths of the two nations and expressed hope for improved public health outcomes in Africa. WHO Representative Shenaaz El-Halabi addressed AI's role in global health, stressing responsible use and equity in healthcare.

David Malcomson, Acting Deputy Director-General for Asia and the Middle East at South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation, proposed collaboration on public health AI, digital literacy, youth skills, and joint training. He noted outcomes would be advanced through the Korea-South Africa Joint Ministerial Commission.

Speakers at the Dialogue discussed public health priorities, AI diagnostics, automated documentation, and tuberculosis and lung disease screening. Dr. Jake Byun, NTL Healthcare Executive Vice President, presented 'AI Cervical Cancer Precision Diagnostics for South Africa,' introducing CerviCARE AI and the company's cervical screening expertise since 1996.

CerviCARE AI operates offline and analyzes images in approximately five seconds. A 2024 Scientific Reports study reported 98% sensitivity for high-grade lesions. Byun explained that the AI could support assessment, referral, treatment, and follow-up after positive HPV results without replacing HPV testing or clinical judgment.

NTL proposed local clinical validation, hospital pilots, and discussions with South African authorities on regulatory and commercialization pathways. Byun emphasized the need for building local evidence with healthcare professionals for sustainable adoption and thanked the Korea-Africa Foundation for fostering public health dialogue.