AI could help spot epidemics in Nigeria before outbreaks grow
Artificial intelligence is being tested in Nigeria to help detect disease outbreaks earlier. By analysing data from health records, social media, and environmental sources, AI systems can identify unusual patterns that might signal an emerging epidemic. Experts like Nachamada Blamah stress the importance of using local data to make these systems reliable. While AI can raise alerts, human experts are still needed to confirm and respond to potential threats.
Highlights
- A 2026 study found that integrating Nigerian Pidgin English into the EPIWATCH AI platform increased detected outbreak reports in March 2024 to 112, compared to a median of 27 in previous years.
- Traditional surveillance in Nigeria detected over 43,000 raw signals between September 2017 and June 2018, with only 63 verified as public health events after screening.
- AI systems can analyse information from diverse sources like climate data, mobility patterns, and wastewater, but require high-quality, local data to be effective.
- Experts warn that AI should not replace human judgement, as algorithms can produce false signals or miss outbreaks if data is incomplete.
- The World Health Organisation has highlighted risks like bias, privacy, and misinformation, calling for strong governance and human oversight in AI-driven health surveillance.
