Author: ritafitchett

  • Artificial Intelligence for Schistosomiasis Control

    Artificial Intelligence for Schistosomiasis Control

    Senegal | Infectious diseases | Disease mapping and AI

    This project addresses schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, an infection caused by a parasitic disease impacting millions in low-income regions. Collaborating with U.S. universities and the Centre of Excellence in Mathematics, Computer Science and ICT (CEA-MITIC) at Senegal’s Gaston Berger University (GBU), this initiative leverages drone and satellite imagery with AI models to map high-risk areas, enabling targeted interventions. This AI approach is set to transform schistosomiasis control strategies, while also training local students in innovative disease surveillance techniques.

  • Weerwi – AI-Driven Counseling for Young Girls Using a Large Language Model

    Weerwi – AI-Driven Counseling for Young Girls Using a Large Language Model

    Senegal | Reproductive Health | AI Chatbot Technology

    The Weerwi mobile application provides reproductive health information to young girls in Senegal and West Africa, currently handling around 10,000 monthly interactions. Upgrading its chatbot with generative AI and an advanced Large Language Model (LLM) will enable more personalized advice, considering previous interactions, and a familiar communication style to better target young girls on prevention and awareness.  In addition, the team will implement a content recommendation algorithm based on the user’s interactions with the chatbot. Personalized notifications with a proposal for relevant content (video, etc.) will be sent to users.

  • Community disease surveillance using an innovative One Health approach

    Community disease surveillance using an innovative One Health approach

    Senegal | One Health | Community surveillance

    One Health Lessons (OHL) is partnering with the University Assane Seck of Ziguinchor (UASZ) on this project to pilot a community-level One Health education network and reporting system (through a mobile health platform), rooted in the education space, to effectively undertake outbreak intelligence and surveillance. Training and implementation will target the community of Sédhiou, in Senegal’s Casamance region. The main goal will be to enable local health authorities to have access to more accurate real-time information, that is effectively collected through a community-led surveillance model, for the purposes of more informed decision-making.

  • Rapid Molecular Detection of Yellow Fever Virus at the Point of Care

    Rapid Molecular Detection of Yellow Fever Virus at the Point of Care

    Senegal | Infectious diseases | Rapid diagnostics

    This project team at the Institut Pasteur de Dakar is developing a point of care rapid diagnostic test for the molecular detection of the Yellow Fever virus. This initiative aims to enable timely diagnosis and effective outbreak management by providing quick results in clinical settings.  By raising awareness and integrating this technology into healthcare facilities, the project seeks to strengthen the surveillance and response systems for Yellow Fever in Senegal, particularly in high-risk areas.

  • Data Collection System and Information Research for Epidemiological Decision-Making

    Data Collection System and Information Research for Epidemiological Decision-Making

    Senegal | Public health | Health information systems

    The École Polytechnique de Thiès is creating a comprehensive data collection system to support epidemiological decision-making. This initiative will gather and analyze relevant health data, including disease incidence, vaccination rates, and environmental factors, allowing healthcare professionals and policymakers to make informed decisions in real-time. The project will also develop a multilingual chatbot, in French and Wolof (Senegal’s first two languages), that will ultimately serve as an intelligent search engine. This chatbot will be accessible to health professionals as well as ordinary citizens wishing to access reliable, secure, accurate and credible information on a given disease. 

  • Combination of Biomarker Detection and Metagenomic Sequencing for Viral Surveillance in Kedougou, Eastern Senegal

    Combination of Biomarker Detection and Metagenomic Sequencing for Viral Surveillance in Kedougou, Eastern Senegal

    Senegal | Viral infections | Diagnostics innovation

    The Institut Pasteur de Dakar is advancing viral surveillance in Kedougou through this innovation which combines biomarker detection with metagenomic sequencing. This project aims to enhance the detection of viral infections while optimizing resource use through better sample selection. By implementing a rapid diagnostic test focused on specific viral markers, the initiative strives to improve public health interventions and reduce the impact of viral outbreaks in the region. Training healthcare workers on the use of these advanced diagnostics will ensure timely identification of viral infections and facilitate appropriate responses.

  • Artificial Intelligence-Based Outbreak Early Warning System for Rift Valley Fever Detection (AIRFARE-EWS)

    Artificial Intelligence-Based Outbreak Early Warning System for Rift Valley Fever Detection (AIRFARE-EWS)

    Senegal | Infectious diseases | Vector-borne disease threats


    The Université Gaston Berger de Saint-Louis is developing the AIRFARE-EWS, an artificial intelligence-powered early warning system for detecting Rift Valley Fever (RVF) outbreaks. By integrating diverse data sources—including environmental, meteorological, and livestock health information—the system will enhance the capacity for early detection and timely response to RVF threats. Machine learning algorithms will analyze trends and patterns to predict outbreaks before they occur. The project also includes the development of a mobile application for monitoring disease spread, providing farmers and healthcare workers with real-time alerts, ultimately aiming to safeguard both human and animal health.

  • Metagenomic Wastewater Surveillance for Pathogen Detection and Outbreak Prevention

    Metagenomic Wastewater Surveillance for Pathogen Detection and Outbreak Prevention

    Senegal | Environmental health | Pathogen detection


    The Institut Fondamental d’Afrique Noire is pioneering metagenomic wastewater surveillance to detect pathogens and prevent outbreaks in Senegal. By analyzing environmental samples, including wastewater and surface water, this innovative approach complements traditional clinical surveillance. It allows for real-time monitoring of public health threats by identifying pathogens circulating in the community. The project aims to map pathogen distributions and provide critical insights into circulating diseases, enhancing the country’s ability to respond proactively to potential outbreaks. Collaboration with local health authorities will be key to integrating findings into public health policy and practices.

  • Development of a Rapid Molecular Detection Test for Measles Virus Diagnosis

    Development of a Rapid Molecular Detection Test for Measles Virus Diagnosis

    Senegal | Infectious diseases | Diagnostics innovation

    At the Institut Pasteur de Dakar, the project team are developing a rapid molecular diagnostic test for measles on lateral flow strips and in cassette form, using CRISPR technology, previously used mainly in the field of genome editing. The end product will enable rapid, highly sensitive diagnosis, and could potentially offer a cheaper alternative to current diagnostic methods in the future. This will significantly boost the level of measles virus surveillance, particularly in low-resource environments. The team plans to validate the test across various healthcare settings, ensuring its accessibility and reliability, and will conduct training for healthcare professionals to facilitate prompt and accurate diagnoses.

  • Improving Access to Epidemic Prone Infectious Disease Tests through Strengthening of the Sample Referral System in Ghana using Mobile-Based Application

    Improving Access to Epidemic Prone Infectious Disease Tests through Strengthening of the Sample Referral System in Ghana using Mobile-Based Application

    Ghana | Infectious diseases | Health system strengthening

    The Centre for Health System Strengthening (CfHSS) project aims to enhance the sample referral system for epidemic-prone infectious disease testing in Ghana. By developing, testing and implementing a mobile-based application, this initiative seeks to streamline the referral process, enabling primary health centers to efficiently request and transport samples to specialized laboratories. The app will provide real-time tracking and updates, reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment. This approach will not only increase the volume of referred samples but also improve turnaround times for test results, thereby strengthening the overall healthcare response to infectious disease outbreaks.

Contact us:
grandchallenges.senegal@pasteur.sn