Dr CADx

Dr CADx is a pioneering Zimbabwean healthtech startup that is revolutionizing medical diagnostics across Africa through artificial intelligence. Founded in 2016 by Gift Gana and Tatenda Madzorera, the company has developed an advanced computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) system that leverages deep learning algorithms to help healthcare professionals interpret medical images with exceptional accuracy. The platform addresses a critical challenge in developing countries: the severe shortage of radiologists. In Zimbabwe alone, only 17 radiologists serve a population of 16 million people, creating a ratio of just one radiologist per million people, compared to 1:9,000 in the United States.

The Dr CADx solution uses sophisticated AI technology to analyze chest X-rays for tuberculosis (TB) and 14 other chest pathologies, including pneumonia, lung cancer nodules, and pneumothorax. Clinical validation studies have demonstrated impressive results, with the system achieving 96% accuracy in TB detection against the GeneXpert gold standard, and an average accuracy of 84% across other chest findings—performance comparable to expert radiologist levels. By deploying an AI system that is available 24/7, even in remote areas, Dr CADx significantly improves diagnostic accuracy, reduces missed diagnoses by up to 20%, and enables better patient management outcomes.

Dr CADx has received backing from notable investors including The Baobab Network, Ground Squirrel Ventures, and Oui Capital. The company participated in the Baobab Network accelerator in 2019 and has been expanding its reach across Africa. With plans to extend its diagnostic capabilities beyond chest X-rays to include CT scans, mammography, ultrasound, and MRI, Dr CADx aims to impact 45 million patients annually across the continent. The startup’s innovative approach to addressing the radiology gap positions it as a key player in Africa’s growing healthtech sector, working to save lives and improve healthcare access in marginalized areas of the developing world.