Artificial Intelligence interventions to combat neglected tropical diseases in Middle East and African communities: Scope and challenges

The Neglected Tropical Diseases have attained a global presence, spanning 149 countries, thereby inflicting morbidity upon more than 1.7 million individuals globally and impacting in excess of 500 million children. They are the leading causes of premature death worldwide, causing 500,000 deaths annually. 40% of the affected population resides in marginalized communities situated in the Middle East and Africa, where resources, healthcare amenities, education, medical infrastructure, sanitation, and other essential services are constrained. Overcrowding, population displacement, climate fluctuations, uncontrolled vectors, diagnostic inaccuracies, under-reporting, and insufficient funding collectively contribute to the failure of the control programs of these diseases. Within this context, gender disparities and social inequities among healthcare workers have emerged, with 52.7% of the youth expressing social stigma towards female patients. The World Health Organization has mandated countries to ensure equitable access to high-quality healthcare services for these diseases by 2030. This research assesses the scope and challenges associated with innovative technological interventions in healthcare within the Middle East and Africa. Real-world Artificial Intelligence applications, boasting an algorithmic accuracy of 91%, enhance various health sectors, including diagnosis, management, drug selection, cost-effectiveness, and risk mapping. The study finds that cross-sectoral partnership to implement innovative and sustainable solutions in healthcare system is imperative to eradicate these diseases in conflict zones and socio-economically marginalized communities. This research underscores the Neglected Tropical Diseases to the attention of policy makers and healthcare professionals, bridges the existing digital knowledge gap, and enhances research opportunities in health and information technology in these communities.