Application of Artificial Intelligence in Infectious Disease Surveillance in sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review

Q: What does this research mean for the field?

Artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning and ensemble models, effectively predicts infectious disease outbreaks like malaria and COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa, but its widespread adoption is hindered by significant data, infrastructure, and skills gaps. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.SYNTHESIS. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

Dingiwe Makola; Tafadzwa Dzinamarira; Evans Duah; Smangaliso Morerwa; Kuhlula Maluleke

doi:10.1016/j.smhl.2026.100676

May 1, 2026Smart HealthOpen Access

Application of Artificial Intelligence in Infectious Disease Surveillance in sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review

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Key Points

This review explores how artificial intelligence can enhance infectious disease surveillance in sub-Saharan Africa.
Conducted a scoping review of AI applications in infectious disease surveillance.
Focused on machine learning techniques and their effectiveness.
Evaluated the challenges such as data and skills gaps affecting AI adoption.
Machine learning is the primary method used for AI surveillance.
AI effectively predicts outbreaks and identifies disease hotspots, particularly for malaria and COVID-19.
Ensemble models show better performance compared to single models in outbreak predictions.

Implication

Scoping review shows AI predicts outbreaks in sub-Saharan Africa, suggesting improved disease management.

Abstract

• Machine learning dominates AI surveillance in SSA • AI predicts outbreaks and identifies disease hotspots • Ensemble models outperform single-model approaches • Applications focus mainly on malaria and COVID-19 • Data, infrastructure, and skills gaps limit AI adoption

Discussion

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Cite This Study

Makola et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a1a7ecb0307b7850943158e https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smhl.2026.100676

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Application of Artificial Intelligence in Infectious Disease Surveillance in sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Application of Artificial Intelligence in Infectious Disease Surveillance in sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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