I recently read a magazine article where the writer remarked that he could not remember the last time he had phoned a company and was answered by a human being. This is but one illustration of how artificial intelligence (AI), the simulation of human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities in machines, has permeated our lives.

These days one can even generate realistic photographs from natural-language descriptions using AI programs such as Midjourney, while ChatGPT can create beautifully written stories in very little time. While this raises concerns in the current age of fake news, where unscrupulous elements are out to deceive news consumers, there are many ways in which AI has been beneficial to humankind.

But there is more that AI should be doing for us. Dr Ignatius Ogbada, a computer science expert at Nigeria’s Ebonyi State University, believes the power of this technology should be harnessed to help eradicate malaria, which is endemic in many African countries, with transmission occurring all year round in most parts of the continent.

According to the World Health Organisation, Africa accounts for about 95% of the 610 000-odd people who succumb to this disease each year. Nigeria is the hardest hit, with a tally that’s equivalent to about 31% of all malaria deaths in the world. Other countries with huge malaria burdens are the Democratic Republic of Congo, where 12.6% of all malaria deaths occur, Tanzania (4.1%) and Niger (3.9%).

In a dramatic illustration of how serious a scourge malaria is in Africa, a campaigner for the unbanning of the use of DDT in the eradication of the mosquito – a transmitter of the disease – once said the yearly death toll of more than half a million people is equivalent to seven Boeing 747 airliners crashing daily, killing everyone on board.

Ogbada maintains that AI can play a big role in mitigating Africa’s malaria case load and deaths. In a research report published a fortnight ago, he argues that AI can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment strategies. He explains: “AI algorithms can analyse various data sources, including epidemiological data, climate data, population demographics and individual health records to predict an individual’s risk of contracting malaria.

“By considering factors such as location, travel history, environmental conditions and personal health data, AI models can identify high-risk individuals or populations. This information can guide the targeted deployment of preventive measures, such as the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets or indoor residual spraying in areas with the greatest need.”

Moreover, AI can assist in early detection and diagnosis by analysing symptoms, while mobile apps can deliver personalised education and reminders to promote adherence to preventive measures. When integrated with telemedicine platforms and wearable devices, AI algorithms can analyse patient-generated health data such as temperature, symptoms and treatment adherence to detect treatment responses and identify the need for additional interventions.

There are already promising case studies of AI-based malaria interventions on the continent, with researchers in the East African nation of Uganda, for example, having developed a diagnostic tool that uses machine learning algorithms to analyse images of blood samples and accurately detect malaria parasites. The tool’s developers say it significantly reduces the time and expertise required for malaria diagnosis, enabling healthcare workers to provide timely treatment.

Also in East Africa, researchers at the Kenya Medical Research Institute have developed the Malaria Buddy mobile app, which uses Al algorithms to provide personalised recommendations for malaria prevention and treatment, based on user inputs and geolocation data. The app aims to empower individuals with information and promote behavioural change for malaria prevention and control.

The notion that AI can be an important tool in the fight against malaria has found traction among important people, one of whom is philanthropist Bill Gates. Delivering the keynote address at an event held in June in Lagos, Nigeria, he said AI could be used in designing malaria drugs.