She hopes her work will improve outcomes by alerting caregivers and patients to health risks early. She wants to see this technology used in ways that expand access to healthcare in resource-constrained regions.
"My research on health monitoring systems could help expand access to healthcare, particularly in remote, rural regions," she said. In many parts of Africa, health data is not always readily available in digital form. Hospitals and clinics may lack comprehensive electronic health record systems. This shortage of reliable data complicates the creation of AI-driven health solutions.
Nzomo acknowledges this challenge. "In Africa, we are often resource-constrained," she said, noting that a lack of digitized records limits the potential of AI in predicting diseases.
Data collection
She calls on governments and healthcare institutions to improve data collection and storage believing that better access to high-quality data will boost the accuracy and reliability of AI models. The researcher also recognizes the importance of trust. Introducing AI tools in healthcare demands acceptance from both clinicians and patients. "It is not something that will replace clinicians," she said. "It is a tool they can collaborate with."
By working first with medical professionals, Nzomo believes her system could gain credibility. Clinicians, who patients already trust, can then help explain the benefits of these AI solutions.
Another priority is data privacy. Nzomo points to federated learning as a promising direction. In this approach, data never leaves the individual's device helping safeguard sensitive health data and ensuring patient confidentiality.
Bias in AI systems is another concern. Women, Africans, and other underrepresented groups need to be more involved in building solutions. Nzomo is aware of the inequalities and acknowledges that, to reduce bias, more African researchers must shape the tools and platforms that serve their communities
The UNESCO-L'Oreal recognition brings with it funds for travel and publishing. Conference participation and journal publication require investment and access to these resources helps researchers gain visibility, build networks, and refine their ideas.
Nzomo said the award has already made a significant impact on her career. She has met other scientists, discussed ethics in AI, learned about branding, and improved her negotiation skills. She expects these lessons to guide her future efforts.
Practical metrics
Looking ahead five to ten years, Nzomo aims to measure her success using practical metrics. She hopes to see a reduction in the prevalence of certain non-communicable diseases across the continent.
Her goal is to improve early disease detection. She plans to regularly update her models, incorporating new data and insights as they become available. Her systems are designed to be flexible, adapting over time as health conditions, data availability, and technologies evolve.
As an African woman in a male-dominated field, Nzomo understands the importance of representation.
She recalls questioning her sense of belonging: "I have sometimes questioned whether I belong," she said. "But my ideas and contributions are just as valuable." She wants young women to know that it is possible to thrive in STEM.
She highlights the UNESCO-L'Oreal initiative as one of many supportive communities and urges women to believe in themselves and seek out these opportunities.
"In the end, I matter, my perspective matters, and my research matters," Nzomo says.