from OKORO CHINEDU in Lagos, Nigeria
Nigeria Bureau
LAGOS, (CAJ News) – THE World Health Organisation (WHO) is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) as it modernises surveillance systems to strengthen global health security.
In collaboration with key partners and supporters, it has launched version 2.0 of the Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS) system, used globally for the early detection of public health threats.
Since its development in 2017, the initiative has grown steadily and is now being used by more than 110 member states and around 30 organisations and networks around the world.
The update incorporates new data sources and improved functionalities, including the use of AI.
Hosted at the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence in Berlin, EIOS is the world’s leading initiative for open-source intelligence for public health decision-making.
“Today, we are not just celebrating the launch of a new version of a system, we are entering a new phase in how the world collaborates, innovates and responds to health threats,” Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, said on Tuesday.
The Nigerian expert added, “EIOS system version 2.0 is our bridge to the future: more open, more agile and more inclusive.”
It is anticipated the implementation of the latest AI-powered tools will enhance automated analysis and signal detection.
Recent health emergencies, such as the COVID‑19 pandemic, and the mpox and avian influenza outbreaks have demonstrated how critical early detection is to prevent outbreaks from escalating into global crises.
– CAJ News