Africa accounts for 23% of global Tuberculosis (TB) cases. Innovative AI-driven solutions like the Epi-control platform are significantly enhancing the detection of this deadly disease. These solutions also improve its management. EPCON developed the platform. It is a healthcare impact organisation specialising in AI for health risk quantification. The platform provides healthcare workers and local teams with rapid, actionable insights. It identifies communities at high risk of TB transmission.
Revolutionising TB Detection with AI
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified slow progress in the fight against TB. They cite limited resources as a key barrier to accelerating detection efforts. However, AI-powered solutions are reshaping the landscape. Caroline Van Cauwelaert, CEO of EPCON, says that TB detection is particularly challenging in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These countries often have overburdened healthcare systems.
TB Detection with AI has transformed our ability to detect TB in African countries,” she said. TB’s asymptomatic nature in its early stages means many carriers are unaware of their condition. Without treatment, those with pulmonary TB can infect up to 15 people annually through close contact.
“Without proper treatment, two-thirds of those infected with TB will die. TB can be cured when it is quickly and effectively detected. Antibiotics have been available since the 1950s,” Van Cauwelaert emphasized.
AI Hotspot Mapping: A Breakthrough in Accuracy
A study published in the Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease journal highlighted an important finding. The Epi-control platform’s hotspot mapping model is 75% more accurate at predicting TB hotspots in Nigeria. This accuracy is higher compared to traditional techniques. The platform combines Bayesian machine learning with a hybrid genetic algorithm. It processes large-scale epidemiological and clinical data. This combination allows the platform to visualize, monitor, and predict disease spread in real time.
This innovation has been instrumental in:
- Facilitating Data Visualization: Providing clear, actionable insights for healthcare teams.
- Enabling Real-Time Monitoring: Tracking disease spread as it happens.
- Predicting Future Trends: Anticipating outbreaks to allocate resources effectively.
The platform’s success in targeting TB hotspots has produced impressive results in Nigeria:
- 73% higher TB positivity yields in Lagos.
- 95% in Ogun.
- 103% in Osun.
- 75% in Oyo.
Scaling Success Globally
Beyond Nigeria, the Epi-control platform has supported TB detection projects in several countries. These include Pakistan, the Philippines, South Africa, the DRC, and Guinea. This effort benefits over two billion people globally.
In South Africa’s Nelson Mandela Bay, EPCON collaborated with Aquity Innovations. This public health organisation helped to develop a predictive model for TB risk. This partnership increased detection rates from 0.2% in random screenings to 0.9% through a model-based approach.
Aquity’s Director of Health Programs, Dr. Sipho Nyathi, explained, “With the Epi-control platform, we can quantify the TB burden at the community level, allowing us to focus our efforts more precisely. This ensures interventions are targeted and cost-effective, which is crucial in resource-constrained environments.”
Cost-Effective and Scalable
The Epi-control platform has drastically reduced the cost of identifying undiagnosed TB cases. The cost decreased from $1,748 to $437 per case. This makes it a cost-effective alternative to conventional approaches.
A Holistic Approach to Global Health
EPCON’s vision extends beyond TB detection. “Strengthening health systems requires a holistic approach. It involves all stakeholders, including healthcare providers, patients, and public health officials,” Van Cauwelaert said. EPCON is also expanding its AI capabilities to model a broader spectrum of diseases, including non-communicable conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Conclusion
AI-powered platforms like Epi-control are revolutionising the fight against TB, particularly in regions where traditional methods fall short. EPCON and its partners are leveraging cutting-edge technology. They are making strides toward WHO’s End TB goals. These goals are aimed at eliminating tuberculosis by 2035. This innovation not only enhances detection and treatment but also lays the groundwork for addressing broader global health challenges efficiently and effectively.