AI4MPOX: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Mathematical Modelling for Mpox Prevention and Response
AI4PEP is excited to embark on a groundbreaking new project aimed at strengthening the fight against mpox through the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and mathematical modelling. With the support of a CAD 300,000 grant from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), this two-year initiative will focus on enhancing public health preparedness and response efforts across multiple African countries.
Addressing the Mpox Outbreak
The resurgence of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, in 2024 has raised alarm globally, with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declaring it a continental emergency and the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizing it as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This outbreak has highlighted the urgent need for strengthened public health systems, especially in surveillance, early warning systems, vaccination strategies, and combating public misinformation.
The project seeks to address these critical gaps by employing a One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health to prevent future outbreaks. By leveraging Responsible AI, Big Data, and Mathematical Modelling, the project will optimize surveillance systems and vaccination strategies and work to combat public misinformation surrounding mpox. Additionally, it will explore the social, gender, and cultural drivers of mpox spread in affected communities.
This initiative builds on the strong foundation of the AI4PEP network, which brings together researchers, policymakers, and community stakeholders to co-create solutions tailored to local needs. We are working across seven African countries Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Burundi, Cameroon, Senegal, Ghana, and Ethiopia to Strengthen surveillance systems using AI to detect and track outbreaks more effectively, develop evidence-based public health strategies that prioritize equity and accessibility, combat misinformation and ensure that communities have the knowledge they need to stay safe, empower local decision-makers with actionable insights drawn from data-driven models.
