From Iloilo City to the World: Filipino Students Harness AI to Tackle Dengue
By Mahak Kaur
On November 16, 2024, a virtual gathering of innovative minds unfolded as twelve finalist teams from nine countries in the Global South came together for the AI for Global Health Innovation (AI4GHI) 2024 Student Summit. Spanning continents and time zones, these students showcased months of tireless work aimed at transforming health systems through artificial intelligence. At 1:30 PM GMT, their efforts reached a crescendo, as ideas once confined to late-night brainstorming sessions were shared on a global stage.
Among the standout participants was an interdisciplinary team from the Philippines, consisting of Jacob Maximus Usaraga, Mario M. Dimapilis, and Miguel Angelo Bondad. Their project, “A Community-Driven Approach to Leveraging AI and Predictive Models to Combat Dengue in Iloilo City,” earned them second place in the Science Communication category.
A Local Crisis, A Global Solution
Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, has reached alarming levels worldwide. Global cases rose from 5.2 million in 2019 to 6.5 million in 2023, resulting in over 7,300 deaths. The Philippines, and Iloilo City in particular, have been hit hard. The first half of 2024 saw 90,119 cases and 233 deaths in the country, with Iloilo City’s dense population, rapid urbanization, and favourable mosquito-breeding weather exacerbating the situation.
While existing predictive models analyze dengue trends and weather patterns, the team’s innovation lies in how they connect data insights to the people who need them most. Recognizing that community engagement is key to curbing outbreaks, their project integrates AI-driven tools to make data actionable and accessible.
A Tech-Powered Ecosystem
Using data from the Philippine Department of Health’s Region 6 office and satellite-based weather data, the team built a predictive model to anticipate outbreaks. Their system includes ChatGPT-4, which automatically summarizes news articles and daily weather data. The centrepiece of their effort is a user-friendly website, offering real-time updates on dengue risks to Iloilo City residents. By combining predictive analytics with accessible communication, the project empowers citizens to take proactive steps in disease prevention.
“This was both fun and challenging,” said Jacob Usaraga, a Mathematics student in his final undergraduate year at the University of the Philippines. “I learned so much, especially about applying data science across different technologies like React and Python. Creating the website improved my skills and allowed me to see how data can drive real-world change.”
A Multidisciplinary Team Tackling Complex Problems
Mario Dimapilis, who holds a nursing degree, a Master of Public Health, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Health Sciences (Research), reflected on the steep learning curve:
“Not knowing the technical jargon—terms like ‘machine learning’ or ‘GitHub’—was a challenge,” he admitted. “But diving into those concepts taught me about interprofessional education and collaboration. The chance to present our proposal internationally was nerve-wracking but also an enriching experience.”
Lessons and Future Aspirations
The team also shared their thoughts on the summit. For Mario, the fireside chats with industry executives were invaluable, while Jacob noted the potential more opportunities time for informal discussions with fellow researchers.
The team expressed a shared hope for future opportunities to deepen international collaboration and conduct impactful research.
Beyond Awards: A Model for Community-Driven AI
The team’s success is a testament to the power of blending technology with local insight. Their project offers a replicable framework for other cities facing dengue and similar public health crises. By harnessing AI and centering their approach on community engagement, the team has created a tool not just for prediction, but for empowerment.
As dengue continues to challenge public health systems worldwide, projects like theirs signal a future where technology and humanity converge to address our most pressing problems.
Read their abstract: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AVb2LeWYf8VJpErNmY4SzK3YZxX6D5KF/view
Watch their video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e8v_CcHY3-o3uot-claaYp6ax-t5LATN/view
Check out all our finalists: https://ai4pep.org/ai4ghi-finalists/