Modernizing Public Health Intelligence in Africa through the Use of Artificial Intelligence and Data Integration
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has unveiled a groundbreaking digital platform, the Africa Health Knowledge Management Portal. The AI-driven platform aims to enhance access to public health knowledge and strengthen disease response efforts across the African continent [1][2].
The Africa Health Knowledge Management Portal serves as a centralized, one-stop platform for sharing timely, relevant public health data, documents, and policy insights that support evidence-based decision-making by African Union (AU) member states [1][2][3]. The portal is backed by the Rockefeller Foundation and the Mastercard Foundation, reflecting Africa CDC’s vision of a unified, knowledge-sharing Africa CDC network that transcends borders for better health outcomes [1][2].
Key features of the portal include artificial intelligence-powered tools such as intelligent search engines, multilingual translation capabilities, and an interactive chatbot to make information easier to find, understand, and use [1][2]. Real-time document comparison facilitates up-to-date insights and helps translate knowledge into practice [1][2]. Personalized content recommendations match users' specific roles and knowledge needs, from national policymakers to frontline health workers [2]. A mobile-friendly interface ensures accessibility on various devices [2].
The portal operates at three integrated levels: continental (all 55 AU Member States), regional (hosted by Regional Collaborating Centres), and national (hosted or linked to member states’ own portals) [1][2]. This multi-level approach allows customized use while promoting continent-wide knowledge sharing and cooperation.
Dr Mosoka Fallah, Acting Director of Science and Innovation at Africa CDC, stated that the initiative aims to bridge the gap between health knowledge availability and actionable use. Dr Nebiyu Dereje, Head of Division, Knowledge Management and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Public Health in Africa (JPHIA), emphasized the importance of the initiative [1][2].
Africa CDC plans to train national knowledge managers and promote a culture of real-time learning through Knowledge Hours, Knowledge Cafés, and Communities of Practice. The Africa Health Knowledge Management Portal is not just a knowledge repository site, but a smart system built to catalyse evidence-based decision-making, empower national health systems, and boost regional knowledge exchange and cooperation [1][2].
The portal will facilitate access to critical public health information for various stakeholders, including national policymakers and frontline health workers [1][2]. More information and a prototype of the portal are available at https://khub.africacdc.org. The Africa Health Knowledge Management Portal will serve as a central hub for data, research, and policy insights related to public health.
Dr Nebiyu Dereje stated that knowledge generated from an outbreak response in a country will support the preparedness and response efforts for similar outbreaks in other countries [1]. The Africa Health Knowledge Management Portal is part of Africa CDC's plan to anchor a new era of digital resilience and collaborative action across the continent.
- The Africa Health Knowledge Management Portal, backed by foundations like the Rockefeller Foundation and the Mastercard Foundation, leverages artificial intelligence to enable efficient access to public health data and documents, enhancing disease response efforts across Africa.
- Key features of the portal, such as intelligent search engines, multilingual translation capabilities, and an interactive chatbot, make information easier for various users, including frontline health workers and national policymakers, to find, understand, and use.
- The Africa Health Knowledge Management Portal not only serves as a repository for critical public health information but also aims to catalyze evidence-based decision-making, empower national health systems, and boost regional knowledge exchange and cooperation.
