Preventing the spread of epidemics using ICT

Summary

Throughout history, infectious diseases have significantly impacted humanity, from ancient epidemics like the Plague of Athens to modern outbreaks such as Ebola and MERS. Today’s global interconnectedness, urbanization, and climate change exacerbate the spread of these diseases, causing substantial economic losses estimated at $60 billion annually.

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have become vital in combating epidemics. Big data analytics, mobile data, and social media are leveraged to track disease spread and identify infected populations. Modern solutions include monitoring systems based on disease data, medical data aggregation for public alerts, and tracking systems using mobile data to reduce response times.

Global efforts are evident in initiatives like the Mekong Basin Disease Surveillance network, ProMED’s disease notification service, and ITU’s CDR-based Ebola outbreak data repository. These projects illustrate the integration of ICT in epidemic management, emphasizing the need for regulatory frameworks that balance data privacy with public health benefits. Enhanced global collaboration, data sharing, and governance are crucial to improving epidemic preparedness and response, especially in regions with limited resources and infrastructure.