ºÚÁÏÉç

Will artificial intelligence and machine learning enhance public health around the world?

That’s the premise of a newly published book, ", written by a team at USF’s (COPH). The book explores innovative applications of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and modeling to drive a shift from reactive to proactive management during a health crisis. It emphasizes systems-based thinking and scenarios that can be anticipated in advance.

The team includes Drs. , and , all in the . Assisting were more than a dozen COPH students and the , a group that promotes education in the community, workforce development and economic growth.

“With our highly connected and interdependent world, the growing threat of infectious diseases has shed light on the requirement for global efforts to manage and combat highly pathogenic infectious diseases on an unprecedented level,’’ the authors say.

The book addresses serious issues affecting millions of people around the world. For instance, it looks at finding better ways to combat often-deadly disease outbreaks, such COVID-19, avian flu, Ebola and Zika, all of which underscore the fragility of a global health security landscape. The authors argue that many infectious diseases transcend borders and can’t be viewed as isolated or local.

 â€œReducing global threats posed by infectious disease outbreaks – whether naturally caused or resulting from a deliberate or accidental release – requires efforts that cross the disaster management pillars: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery,’’ they note.

The Springer Publishing book highlights recent innovations in the application of AI and ML to support public and global health, promotes innovative approaches to complex public and global health problems, and challenges traditional public and global health approaches with novel AI and ML solutions.

“AI and ML are new tools in the war against infectious diseases by uncovering patterns, predicting trends and assisting health care professionals in making more accurate diagnosis and treatment plans,’’ Jacob said.

The book underscores how these tools represent a “new era’’ in how health officials monitor and control threats to public health, with suggestions on how to get there.

“Currently global health crisis management is not keeping up with the spread of disease,’’ Jacob added. “Epidemiologists and other research collaborators must overcome many challenges, including data quality and bias, algorithmic trust and skills deficits, while focusing on training. This book recommends how to achieve this.’’

The authors describe how large-scale simulations and advanced analytics are weapons in the war against disease, powerful computational techniques used to model complex systems and extract vast amounts of data.

A new tool, for example, is a program called Seek and Destroy, which uses drones, satellite data and statistical algorithms combined on a smartphone app to map mosquito habitats for malaria. The data can then be used for larval source management and control operations. 

COPH students who contributed to the book include Jeegan Parkh, Santiago Hernadez Bjorge, Jesse Casanova, Dewan Tahsin, Aarya Satardekar, Sasha Mosich, Heather McDonald, Alexander Gambrell, Anusha Parajuli, Spuritha Bhandaru and Namit Choudhari.

Mosich, an student, contributed a chapter about dengue fever – a mosquito-borne viral infection – in swimming pools in Los Angeles, where she grew up. 

“I had noticed the uptick in the case data from Los Angeles County Health Department and that there were local cases for the first time,’’ she said. “It was something that intrigued me and hit close to home and so I delved into it ... I’m also hoping to dive deeper into vector-borne diseases in Los Angeles as I plan on pursuing a PhD post-graduation.’’

The Lifelong Learning Academy contributed the chapter Tech-Enabled Approaches to Support Access and Equity in Public Health Education. The chapter highlights how innovative e-learning strategies are transforming education, breaking down barriers to access and creating new opportunities across the learning community.

“With the rapid integration of AI into mainstream education, we explore how AI is reshaping pedagogy by enhancing student engagement, fostering AI literacy, and supporting both traditional and non-traditional learners,’’ said Dr. Ann Joyce, instructor and director, Workforce Programming and Professional Education at the academy. “We emphasize the importance of flexible learning models − including micro-certificates, digital badges and competency-based pathways − that complement traditional degree programs and respond directly to workforce demands.’’