"It also contributes to improving diagnostic accuracy. With quantum-enhanced imaging techniques and data analysis, doctors can detect diseases at an earlier stage and with much greater precision”, said Professor Darelle Van Greunen, Distinguished Professor and founder of the Centre for Community Technologies.
Prof Van Greunen was one of the speakers at the recent two-day Symposium on Quantum Science and Technology, hosted by Nelson Mandela University.
“How do we create impact using quantum development to ensure that quantum computing benefits all of humankind?”
Prof Van Greunen believes that quantum computing could be the key to unlocking solutions once thought impossible.
She shared that although quantum computing is an incredibly powerful tool that has the potential to expose humanity to new vulnerabilities, she acknowledged it plays a significant role in medical conditions and digital healthcare.
It is applied to not only infectious diseases but also chronic illnesses affecting millions of people on a daily basis.
Quantum computing’s impact goes beyond healthcare, extending to climate change, environmental challenges, and global food security. There is ample literature at the international level highlighting how it is being explored as a tool to help address world hunger, Prof Van Greunen said.
“We now see that surgeons are doing accurate modelling to simulate the intricate body interactions with far greater precision; they are using quantum computing while being in theatre, she said.
That is not something that they can do with classical computers because their processing power is simply not fast enough. Practical applications in orthopaedic surgery, model how bones, muscles, and implants interact during movement. In fact, surgeons in Nelson Mandela Bay already use robotic surgery for hip, knee and shoulder replacements, among others.
Despite the excitement, quantum computing faces serious barriers to widespread adoption. The technology requires extreme conditions, such as cooling systems close to absolute zero and complete isolation from interference; factors that most local healthcare facilities are not equipped to handle. It is also a high-cost system, and normal hospitals may find it hard to maintain the infrastructure.
There’s also a growing concern around the lack of skilled professionals trained in both quantum science and healthcare. “Our current medical training in South Africa does not include quantum computing,” Prof Van Greunen explained, stressing the need for new education pathways and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Prof Van Greunen also revealed that countries across Africa are starting to recognise this gap and are calling for investment in nanotechnology and quantum science education to prepare the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals.
Professors Thomas Konrad and Azwinndini Muronga
Research Professor in the School of Chemistry and Physics, Thomas Konrad, from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, also presented his research on “Monitoring and Control of Quantum Systems”.
He explained that while current quantum devices are still in the "noisy intermediate stage," there is promising research underway exploring how these systems can be used to simulate biological processes and support medical interventions.
Prof Konrad noted that some countries have already achieved experimental success in using quantum computing for health applications, particularly in simulating molecular and cellular activity.
However, he stressed that “these developments remain largely within research labs and are yet to be rolled out in real-world clinical environments.”
He also expressed optimism that in countries, such as India, practical implementation could be seen within the next few years.
Professor Azwinndini Muronga, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Innovation and Internationalisation at Nelson Mandela University emphasised the need to push technological boundaries further to improve the lives of people in our communities.
He concluded by saying that “and we think that's why it is very important that we embrace the quantum technology. But before we embrace quantum technology, we need to embrace quantum science research, the basic research itself.”