The Group Research Impact

Project Director

Dr. Jude Kong — Director, AI4PEP Secretariat

Dr. Jude Kong is the founding director of the AI4PEP Secretariat. He is a data scientist, applied mathematician, and public health researcher committed to advancing responsible AI across the Global South. Through AI4PEP, he champions equitable collaboration and African-led innovation to transform health systems and pandemic preparedness.

Strengthen AI Capacity

Train researchers across Africa and the Global South to design, deploy, and evaluate AI tools tailored to local public health contexts. Includes workshops, mentorships, and regional hubs.

Promote Equity

Ensure marginalized populations are represented in data and design. Embed equity into all stages of AI development, from data collection to deployment.

Foster Collaboration

Build cross-sector partnerships between academia, government, and civil society. Encourage co-creation of solutions with stakeholders and community groups.

Advance Global Health Preparedness

Support scalable AI models that enhance disease surveillance, risk mapping, and emergency response planning for future pandemics and epidemics.

Ensure Open Data & Transparency

Promote open science and responsible data sharing. Support reproducibility, auditability, and accountability in AI-driven public health decision-making.

Build Policy & Ethical Frameworks

Develop ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks to ensure AI tools are used responsibly and align with human rights and public health priorities.