The World Health Organization has introduced an artificial intelligence-powered platform in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to strengthen disease surveillance and improve the country’s preparedness for public health emergencies.
The Preparedness Data Exchange, known as PDX, combines health and risk information to help authorities identify potential disease threats early and make informed decisions during emergencies.
According to WHO, the platform links the Democratic Republic of the Congo to a regional intelligence network covering all 47 member states in the WHO African Region.
The deployment comes as the country battles an Ebola outbreak, with population movement and cross-border transmission posing additional challenges for health authorities.
WHO’s Programme Area Manager at its Regional Emergency Hub in Nairobi, Dr Dick Chamla, says connecting national information with regional intelligence will help authorities identify emerging risks earlier and respond more effectively.
Alongside the PDX platform, WHO and technology partner Dure Technologies have introduced Voyage Santé, a digital screening system at key entry points, including N’djili International Airport and the Nord Bangui border post.
The system is designed to strengthen traveller screening and enable health officials to identify potential threats and take timely action.
WHO says combining digital screening with improved disease intelligence will strengthen surveillance and support a more coordinated response to health emergencies.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the first country in the region to deploy the PDX platform, with plans to extend the initiative to other African countries.
