Malaria

AI and statistical learning have the potential to help solve various real-world problems.

In Senegal, Dr Mouhamad Allaya from Université Iba Der Thiam de Thiès and his team have developed models to predict the patterns of diseases like stomach cancer and liver fibrosis, helping to improve healthcare planning. They have also translated local languages using AI, analysed financial risks as a result of COVID-19, and led training programs to share knowledge on disease modelling to African researchers.

Now, the group will collaborate with Imperial College London to carry out AI-driven risk prediction for malaria outbreaks in Senegal. They will use AI algorithms that analyse weather, local living conditions, and health data. By sorting regions into high-, medium-, and low-risk zones, the project will help health practitioners prioritise vital resources, like mosquito nets or medicines, where they're needed most. The system will also update predictions in real-time alongside changes in the weather, allowing for faster responses.

Dr Allaya's expertise in medical AI, climate data analysis, and training local experts will directly support this malaria initiative. His team's past successes in disease prediction and multilingual tools highlights their ability to create accessible, effective systems for Senegal.