The pilot project will use Microsoft’s Premonition systems and GSK’s know-how in health and disease to study the use of AI and robotics in supporting local community response to vector-borne diseases and climate change
GSK teams up with Microsoft in a disease surveillance project in Nepal. (Credit: By KTo288/Wikimedia Commons)
Pharma major GSK and Microsoft have joined forces with the Centre for Health and Disease Studies (CHDS) Nepal to launch a disease surveillance project in the Asian country.
The pilot project will utilise Microsoft’s Premonition systems and GSK’s know-how in health and disease to study the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics in supporting local community response to vector-borne diseases as well as climate change.
GSK chief global health officer Thomas Breuer said: “The health impact of climate change is currently most acutely felt by underserved communities, and as climate change progresses its impact could be felt globally.
“To get ahead of disease together, we’re committed to finding science-based solutions to support vulnerable people adapt to the health impacts of climate change.
“This project is a great example of what is possible when innovative companies from different sectors come together with local communities to develop solutions for urgent climate-related healthcare challenges.”
Microsoft Premonition systems were delivered in Nepal earlier this month to create a network of ‘biological weather stations’ spread over three different habitats. The systems are expected to aid in informing local decision-making and developing more stronger health systems.
According to GSK, the Premonition systems by integrating smart robotics and advanced optical sensing for monitoring insect species and gathering biological samples to study the impact of climate change on transmission of diseases.
Microsoft president and vice chair Brad Smith said: “New technologies play an important role in building society’s ability to respond and adapt to the disruption caused by climate change.
“Combining Microsoft Premonition technology, deep health and disease expertise from GSK, and the leadership of public health organisations in Nepal will equip local decision makers with new data-driven insights to help prevent, plan, and prepare for challenges ahead.”
The disease surveillance project in Nepal is expected to contribute to the development of new monitoring strategies for the early identification and management of diseases.
Furthermore, the pilot project is expected to showcase robotic sampling and autonomous monitoring of dangerous species in remote environments.