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Project

Harnessing COVID-19 data to support public health and economic decision-making in Kenya and Malawi – COVID AI
 

Kenya
Malawi
Project ID
109622
Total Funding
CAD 1,126,028.00
IDRC Officer
Loise Ochanda
Project Status
Completed
End Date
Duration
25 months

Programs and partnerships

Lead institution(s)

Summary

The emergence of the COVID-19 global pandemic presents serious health and livelihood threats to people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) all over the world. There is an urgent need for accurate, real-time data for health policy and planning to combat the threats.Read more

The emergence of the COVID-19 global pandemic presents serious health and livelihood threats to people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) all over the world. There is an urgent need for accurate, real-time data for health policy and planning to combat the threats. In many countries there are methodological gaps in data integration and a lack of information and research capacity to make informed decisions to guide public health policy. The absence of data also makes it difficult to identify vulnerable populations and provide appropriate information to protect and improve people’s health. Moreover, obtaining information can be especially difficult under the restrictions of pandemic lockdowns.

Current innovations in AI and data science can support the collection and analysis of real-time, accurate data from multiple data sources. This project proposes to develop the key elements of a coordinated pan-African COVID-19 data ecosystem with a robust suite of data standards, technologies, and data integration methods that leverage AI and data science for analysis and oversight. It will focus on data from Kenya and Malawi because both countries adopted different strategies to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to scale the dissemination of information to enhance decision-making and guide the development and implementation of strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality from COVID-19.

The project is developing a network of stakeholders to exchange information, experiences, and knowledge that will support data acquisition, management, governance, and reporting; a data tracking system; a common data model; and a comprehensive data hub for COVID-19 data to demonstrate how COVID-19 is affecting transmission dynamics, its impact on health, education, work, transport, and effective interventions. It will also enhance the methodological capacity of data analysts and develop communication strategies for the public, policymakers, and decision-makers.

Research outputs

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Website
Article
Language:

English

Summary

In an exclusive interview with AfricaBrief Dr. Muyingo, the Principal Investigator during the project, highlighted the project's comprehensive approach to addressing critical areas in data management and healthcare.

Author(s)
Issa, Sumeya
Article
Language:

English

Summary

The two-day workshop, organised by the Platform for Evaluation and Analysis of COVID-19 Harmonised Data (PEACH) project, gathered a diverse range of stakeholders, including experts, researchers, and policymakers. The workshop aimed to leverage data-driven insights in the fight against the pandemic.

Author(s)
Mwale, Winston
Article
Language:

English

Summary

The African continent is experiencing a remarkable transformation in various sectors, with healthcare being a critical area of focus. The COVID-19 pandemic was a watershed moment, compelling governments across the world to rethink public service provision, especially healthcare. In particular, the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies in healthcare access is ushering in a new era of innovation, efficiency, and accessibility, revolutionizing healthcare services for the people of Africa and beyond.

Author(s)
Muyingo, Sylvia
Article
Language:

English

Summary

This webpage offers a short summary of the aims and topics of the AI4COVID Gender Action Learning (GAL) Final Peer-Learning Workshop.

Author(s)
Hailemariam, Mahlet
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About the partnership

Partnership(s)

Global South AI4COVID Response

Artificial intelligence and data-science techniques can help improve the ability of developing countries to respond to future epidemics.