Africa – The World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa region is using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve AI disease surveillance and its power to react to health threats. This technology helps predict disease outbreaks before they spread widely. Faster predictions mean quicker, life-saving actions can be taken.
Dr. Abdou Salam Gueye is the WHO regional emergency director for Africa. He said an innovative AI project to foresee cholera outbreaks is a key step forward. “The expansion of an innovative artificial intelligence project designed to predict cholera outbreaks was an exciting development during the quarter,” Dr. Gueye stated.
AI Spots Disease Early
Machine learning algorithms are central to this AI disease surveillance effort. These algorithms study data patterns over time. This study helps the WHO predict when and where diseases like cholera might appear. Early warnings allow health officials to prepare and act. This can stop outbreaks or lessen their impact on communities.
The AI project began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is now also working in Mozambique. The WHO plans to bring this successful model to other African nations. Dr. Gueye emphasized that this technology can greatly change how Africa monitors and responds to diseases. The WHO Regional Office for Africa has also partnered to install an electronic public health emergency management system. This system is active in Burkina Faso, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
Building Stronger Health Defenses
Using AI for AI disease surveillance is part of a wider WHO mission. The mission is to build stronger health systems across the continent. By using AI, the WHO aims to get better at finding diseases early, responding effectively, and preventing widespread illness. This work is vital because diseases like dengue, yellow fever, and chikungunya are growing threats. By helping African countries improve their health abilities, the WHO supports better preparation and faster responses to save lives.
By Kayode Ojo
