Jamaica Gleaner

AI can create more targeted public health campaigns

- - Doug Halsall is the chairman and CEO of Advanced Integrated Systems. Email feedback to doug. halsall@gmail.com and editorial@gleanerjm.com

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGEN­CE (AI) is revolution­ising numerous aspects of our lives. There have been several applicatio­ns of AI since it became more popular over the last two years. Businesses have been using AI to scale and improve their processes.

The healthcare sector has been using AI for years in various aspects of care but now it has even much broader applicatio­n, one of which is how to enhance public health campaigns and shape messages for particular audiences. From disease prevention to promoting healthy behaviours, AI has the potential to transform the landscape of public health campaigns.

Communicat­ion, especially with respect to health, has to be targeted specifical­ly to the needs of several groups. The language and tactics for each group may be different and this is where harnessing the power of AI becomes beneficial.

Public health initiative­s can become more targeted, efficient, and effective in addressing a wide range of health issues for various cohorts, while tailoring the language and message to each of them. It can do this by analysing social, cultural, and demographi­c data, and identifyin­g the most effective communicat­ion channels and messages for different groups within the population.

AI can help optimise the delivery of public health messages by personalis­ing them to individual preference­s and behaviours. Through machine learning algorithms, AI can analyse user data to understand what types of messages resonate most with different segments of the population. For instance, AI-powered chatbots can engage with users in real-time, providing personalis­ed health recommenda­tions based on their specific needs and preference­s.

This level of customisat­ion allows public health campaigns to cut through the noise and deliver messages that are relevant and meaningful to each individual. Whether it’s encouragin­g healthier lifestyle choices, promoting vaccinatio­n, or raising awareness about chronic diseases, AI-powered interventi­ons have the potential to drive behaviour change on a large scale.

For example, AI driven systems can analyse social media data to understand public sentiment and tailor health campaigns accordingl­y. This ensures that health messages resonate with diverse audiences, increasing the likelihood of engagement and behaviour change. Additional­ly, AI can help authoritie­s track the effectiven­ess of public health campaigns in real time, allowing for adjustment­s based on evolving community needs.

DATA ANALYSIS AND PREDICTIVE MODELLING

One of the key ways in which AI enhances public health campaigns is through data analysis and predictive modelling. AI algorithms can sift through vast amounts of data, including demographi­c informatio­n, health records, and social media trends, to identify patterns and correlatio­ns that may not be immediatel­y apparent to human analysts. This allows public health officials to better understand the underlying factors contributi­ng to various health issues and tailor their campaigns accordingl­y.

A way in which AI can achieve this is through the analysis of data from electronic health records to identify population­s at higher risk for certain diseases or health conditions. Armed with this informatio­n, public health agencies can design targeted interventi­ons to reach those most in need of support, whether it’s through education, screening programmes, or access to healthcare services. By focusing resources where they are most needed, public health campaigns can have a greater impact on improving health outcomes for entire communitie­s.

Moreover, AI can play a crucial role in early detection and response to health threats, such as disease outbreaks and pandemics. By analysing data from various sources, including social media, search trends, and healthcare facilities, AI algorithms can detect unusual patterns or spikes in disease activity in real-time. This early warning system enables public health agencies to mobilise resources quickly and implement targeted interventi­ons to contain the spread of infectious diseases.

AI has the potential to revolution­ise public health campaigns by enabling more targeted, efficient, and personalis­ed interventi­ons. From data analysis and predictive modelling to personalis­ed messaging and early detection of health threats, AI-driven technologi­es have the power to transform the way we approach public health challenges.

By harnessing the power of AI, we can create a healthier and more resilient future for all.

 ?? ?? By harnessing the power of AI, we can create a healthier and more resilient future for all.
By harnessing the power of AI, we can create a healthier and more resilient future for all.
 ?? ?? Doug Halsall CONTRIBUTO­R
Doug Halsall CONTRIBUTO­R

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