Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe Franklin, at the AI4PEP RAPID-VBP Inception Workshop, delivered an insightful presentation on the burden of vector-borne diseases in Ghana, shedding light on a critical public health issue. He highlighted that diseases such as malaria, onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, yellow fever, and schistosomiasis continue to pose significant health challenges across the nation.
Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe shared compelling statistics that underscore the urgency of tackling these diseases. For instance, he pointed out that malaria alone accounted for over 5.2 million cases and was the leading cause of outpatient department visits in Ghana in 2022. Remarkably, the mortality from malaria has decreased significantly, from 2,799 deaths in 2012 to just 151 in 2022, demonstrating the effectiveness of current control strategies.
The presentation not only highlighted the current state of vector-borne diseases in Ghana but also emphasized the need for enhanced surveillance systems, better vector control strategies, and more robust public health interventions. Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe’s call to action was clear: a collaborative effort is required to reduce the incidence and impact of these diseases, thereby improving health outcomes throughout the country.
Highlights of the AI4PEP RAPID-VBP Workshop
The workshop featured insightful presentations by our Principal Investigator, Dr. Kingsley Badu, along with esteemed guests Prof. Ellis Owusu-Dabo, Dr. Francis Chisaka Kasolo, and Dr. Franklin Asiedu Bekoe.
A significant highlight of the event was outlining the significance of the AI-based automated vector surveillance system, which aims to enhance early detection and provide early warning signals for potential public health threats.
Additionally, there were engaging discussions on the role of responsible AI in improving public health responses, and collaborative opportunities for future research and implementation were explored.