At EPCON, our work at the intersection of artificial intelligence and public health relies on a dedicated team of experts committed to improving disease detection and intervention strategies. Today, we’re excited to introduce Andiswa Zitho, our Public Health Project Manager, who plays a crucial role in leading AI-driven projects for infectious disease control.
Andiswa joined EPCON in November 2024, bringing a wealth of experience in public health research and project management. As a Public Health Project Manager, she oversees the implementation of AI-driven solutions for disease detection and intervention planning. “For instance, I’m managing a project to enhance TB detection and response in collaboration with partners in African countries,” she says.
To achieve these outcomes, Andiswa works closely with regional stakeholders to ensure impactful and data-driven interventions. Her expertise in project management, data analysis, public health strategy, communication, and stakeholder engagement ensures that she can do her job effectively. She honed these skills from her work in a research institution in Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as various public health projects including clinical trials and career development fellowships.
For Andiswa, the most exciting part of her work is seeing how AI can transform health outcomes — especially for vulnerable populations.
“What motivates me most is the tangible impact,” she shares. “Knowing that our work helps save lives by improving access to care, streamlining decision-making, and reducing disease transmission. The opportunity to work at the intersection of technology and health is what gets me out of bed every morning.”
As with any transformative work, there are hurdles to overcome. One of the key challenges Andiswa navigates is ensuring access to up-to-date, contextual data to develop and validate AI models effectively. Additionally, aligning diverse stakeholders — from government agencies to healthcare providers — requires constant collaboration and adaptability to achieve shared goals. There are also infrastructure gaps to consider in low-resource settings that can hinder implementation.
Looking ahead to the next five years, she envisions AI models becoming even more adaptive and precise, incorporating real-time data streams from multiple sources to predict infectious disease outbreaks earlier. Integration with policy-making platforms to drive more proactive health responses at national and global levels is also an exciting future goal.
Outside of work, Andiswa loves strength training, as well as spending time with family and friends. When she’s looking for balance and recharging, you’ll find Andiswa exploring new camping and glamping spots, or out hiking. Alternatively, you could find her enjoying a good book or podcast.
We’re thrilled to have Andiswa on our team and can’t wait to see how her work continues to drive meaningful change in global health.