2025 Poor Disease Surveillance Lamented as AI Detection Tool is Introduced

Public health experts and researchers have raised alarm over Nigeria’s fragile infectious disease surveillance system, describing it as outdated, underfunded, and inadequate for early detection and effective response to outbreaks.

At the launch of the AI4OneHealth Research Hub at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, specialists noted that the country’s health data systems rely heavily on manual reporting methods, often resulting in delays that worsen the spread and impact of diseases.

With cholera cases on the rise in parts of Nigeria and global concerns about re-emerging infections, the experts urged greater investment in real-time health intelligence systems to prevent future public health crises.

The newly launched hub brings together experts in computer science, veterinary medicine, and public health under the One Health framework. Its goal is to develop artificial intelligence-driven solutions to tackle infectious diseases and other health challenges through data innovation.

Dr. Jubel Falana, Project Director of AI4OneHealth, described the hub as a critical platform for pioneering disease surveillance technologies. He explained that it is part of a broader AI4Development initiative that also covers agriculture and cybersecurity.

According to him, Nigeria’s surveillance and response systems are hindered by low funding, weak infrastructure, and the absence of real-time data. He announced that the hub is developing an Intelligent Early Warning and Response System for infectious disease control, supported by a four-year international grant.

Dr. D.O. Aborisade, a research analyst, revealed that pilot projects are already underway in Ogun State to monitor monkeypox and cholera using predictive AI models. Health workers will soon be able to log suspected cases directly via mobile devices, with the system processing the data instantly to map hotspots, forecast trends, and issue alerts.

Prof. Adesina Sodiya, Team Lead of the project, highlighted the multidisciplinary collaboration that brought the initiative to life, involving computer scientists, medical doctors, veterinarians, and epidemiologists. He emphasised that the project is not only academic but designed for real-world impact.

The Vice Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Olusola Kehinde, represented by Prof. Morenike Dipeolu, commended the team, describing the hub as a major milestone for the university and the Nigerian health system. He noted that the initiative reinforces the One Health principle, which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

Funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre in partnership with global collaborators, the project places FUNAAB among the pioneering Nigerian universities advancing artificial intelligence for health security and sustainable development.