At EPCON, we firmly believe in the power of co-creation. Why? Because it offers a crucial opportunity to engage directly with regional partners on their home turf, allowing us to gain firsthand insights into local challenges. We are then able to see how our AI systems can be most effective. This time we were in Kampala, Uganda’s vibrant capital. In January, over the course of three intense days, we met with 35 participants – exceeding our expectations! – from various organisations, all united by a singular goal: to help eradicate the scourge of TB in Uganda.
As soon as possible
Our new initiative in Uganda was spearheaded by the Infectious Diseases Institute, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening health systems across Africa. This project occurs in collaboration with the National TB and Leprosy Programme (NTLP), USAID, local government bodies, and various implementing partners.
The workshop was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, with attendees eager to implement EPCON’s Epi-control platform as swiftly as possible. The platform’s geo portal offers an intuitive way to visualise priority screening areas and gaps within the healthcare system. Currently, the NTLP’s data is limited to screened individuals, mapping out known cases and hotspots. Information is collected at local health facilities and later aggregated at the national level. However, identifying undiagnosed TB hotspots—especially in remote areas far from health facilities—is crucial. EPCON’s predictive analytics will play a pivotal role in addressing this gap.
The workshop provided a valuable opportunity to:
Present our digital solution in detail, drawing on examples from other countries to illustrate its impact.
Gain insight into local operational processes and the various stakeholders involved, from political and community leaders to funding bodies. A major point of discussion was the current lack of geolocation data – critical for refining our models. Together, we explored strategies to acquire this data to help locate undiagnosed TB cases.
Develop a clear action plan, including the appointment of a dedicated liaison between ourselves and the Infectious Disease Institute to streamline collaboration.
Looking ahead
We are very excited about this partnership and the potential it holds. Through collaboration, innovation, and data-driven strategies, we are confident that we can make a lasting impact in the fight against TB.