Project

Artificial Intelligence applications to support epidemic and pandemic prevention, preparedness and response

Project ID
109981
Total Funding
CAD 7,250,000.00
Project Status
Active
Duration
60 months

Programs and partnerships

Partnership(s)
Artificial Intelligence for Global Health

Lead institution(s)

Canada
More content related to this institution

Summary

Disease outbreaks are increasing both in terms of severity and frequency.Read more

Disease outbreaks are increasing both in terms of severity and frequency. Climate change is exacerbating existing health and social inequities by increasing the vulnerability of climate “hotspots” to the emergence and re-emergence of many infectious diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and zika. Moreover, a growing number of these diseases are spread from animals to people, due to factors such as growing human encroachment into natural landscapes. The One Health concept recognizes and responds to the reality that human health is interdependent with the health of animals and the environment. Responding to the complex nature of these interactions in a timely way requires the ability to analyze large data sets across multiple sectors.

Artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and data science approaches are increasingly being used to identify risks, conduct predictive modeling and provide evidence-based recommendations for public health policy and action. Despite the promise of using these innovative tools to improve public health outcomes, there are important ethical, legal, and social implications that, if not appropriately managed and governed, can translate into significant risks to individuals and populations. Responsible AI entails intentional design to enhance health equity and gender equality and avoid amplifying existing inequalities and biases.

This initiative will address existing knowledge and practice gaps in the Global South by establishing a multi-regional network to deepen the understanding of how responsible AI solutions can improve public health preparedness and response. It will strengthen the capacity of interdisciplinary researchers and policymakers across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East and North Africa, to support early detection, response, mitigation and control of developing infectious disease outbreaks. Projects within the initiative will work closely with governments, public health agencies, civil society and other actors to generate new knowledge and collaborations to inform practice and policies at subnational, national, regional and global levels.

Research outputs

Access full library of outputs Opens in new tab
Article
Download PDF
Summary
Author(s)
Radwan Qasrawi , Ghada Issa , Suliman Thwib , Razan AbuGhoush , Malak Amro , Raghad Ayyad , Stephanny Vicuna , Eman Badran , Yousef Khadar , Raeda Al Qutob , Faris Al Bakri , Hana Trigui , Elie Sokhn , Emmanuel Musa , Jude Dzevela Kong
Article
Download PDF
Language:

English

Summary

Infectious diseases continue to pose a significant global health challenge, necessitating innovative approaches for predicting outbreaks, detecting variants, conducting contact tracing, discovering new drugs and managing misinformation. Artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly supported work in these areas, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the benefits of AI must be equitably distributed, and its use must be responsible and inclusive. As various nations implement AI regulations, the global nature of AI necessitates international collaboration to establish ethical guidelines and governance frameworks. In response to these needs, the Global South AI for Pandemic & Epidemic Preparedness & Response Network (AI4PEP) is leading a multinational effort across 16 countries to strengthen public health systems through responsible, Southern-led AI solutions. This opinion piece highlights AI4PEP's initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), examining the region's AI governance models and the challenges they present. By lowering barriers to AI adoption and fostering equitable access to AI-driven public health innovations, our network empowers researchers, healthcare professionals and policymakers in LAC to harness AI for infectious disease preparedness and response, ultimately improving health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.

Author(s)
Rocha, Ulisses
Article
Download PDF
Language:

English

Summary

Digital literacy is essential for health behaviors and decision-making, particularly in Arab MENA countries, where access to digital resources varies considerably. This study investigates the impact of digital literacy and internet usage on health behaviors across ten Arab countries, focusing on demographic and country-specific differences. The findings emphasize the importance of enhancing digital health literacy, particularly for marginalized and underserved groups and communities. Improving internet access, fostering confidence in digital tools, and promoting critical evaluation of health information are crucial for positive health outcomes. This study offers key insights into the role of digital literacy in public health and highlights the need to address disparities in the Arab MENA region.

Author(s)
Tayyem, Reema
Article
Download PDF
Summary
Author(s)
Christo El Morr , Deniz Ozdemir , Yasmeen Asdaah , Antoine Saab , Yahya El-Lahib , Elie Salem Sokhn
Article
Download PDF
Summary
Author(s)
Christo El Morr , Deniz Ozdemir , Yasmeen Asdaah , Antoine Saab , Yahya El-Lahib , Elie Salem Sokhn
Access full library of outputs Opens in new tab

About the partnership

Partnership(s)

Artificial Intelligence for Global Health

Artificial Intelligence for Global Health (AI4GH) is a seven-year, CAD22.3 million initiative from IDRC and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Learn more

Share this page