Arba Minch University (AMU) convened a kickoff workshop on July 20, 2024, marking the launch of the AIM-Clim project. This initiative, funded by the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), aims to pioneer AI-based predictions of malaria incidence across South Ethiopia region integrating current and future climate scenarios. Click here to see more photos.
In his opening address, Dr. Damtew Darza, AMU President, underscored the pivotal role of collaborative research ventures in advancing the university's research profile. He expressed his confidence that the project with its multidisciplinary approach involving experts from various fields yields tangible advancements in malaria prevention strategies. Dr. Damtew reaffirmed AMU's commitment to providing comprehensive support to ensure the project's success.
Behailu Merdekios, Vice President of Research and Community Engagement, highlighting significant public health concerns of malaria in Ethiopia, said, it is affecting nearly 69% of the population. He noted a concerning rise in malaria cases over the past three years emphasizing the urgent need for action. The vice president also stressed that the AIM-Clim project will leverage advanced AI techniques to revolutionize malaria prediction and enhance early warning systems. According to him, the project's role in contributing to global efforts towards malaria elimination will be the importance of community engagement in translating predictions into effective interventions on the ground.
Dr. Thomas Torora, Director of the Collaborative Project Management Directorate and principal investigator of the project, noted that the initiative aims to develop an AI-powered malaria prediction model for South Ethiopia using advanced climate and land use data. This user-friendly model will be distributed via web platforms to stakeholders, facilitating early-warning systems to prevent malaria outbreaks.
The project's innovative approach, integrating expertise from partners like AMU, EMI, and MoH in climate science, public health, and AI includes state-of-the-art data analysis to predict malaria incidences at local levels, marking a significant advancement in targeted disease prevention. Additionally, the project supports academic research with one PhD, two MSc, and two BSc projects focusing on climate change, infectious diseases, and ICT, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific development.
AMU's senior officials, along with Dr. Asamnew Teshome from the Ethiopian Meteorology Institute, researchers, project team members, and representatives from the South Ethiopia Health Bureau and Gamo Zone Health Department, attended the event. Dr. Mohammed Abebe and Dr. Fekadu Massebo moderated the program.
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