MONICA KAYOMBO/ Zambia/Lusaka
ARTIFICIAL Intelligence (AI) hss strated revolutionizing public health, tackling pressing issues like Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the targeting of youth by alcohol and tobacco companies.
At the recent Global Digital Health Forum (GDHF) in Nairobi, experts showcased how AI is strengthening data systems and public health intelligence to improve health outcomes.
Dr Mary-Ann Etiebet, Chief Executive Director of Vital Strategies, highlighted her organization’s efforts to support governments in building robust health systems.
Vital Strategies is working with countries like South Africa, Papua New Guinea, India, Mozambique, and Brazil to integrate AI-driven systems into their routine data processes.
“We were able to hear from our partners to turn the tide and bring Gender-Based Violence out of shadows,” Dr Etiebet said.
One AI model analyzes electronic primary health care records, flagging individuals at risk for GBV up to 90 days before an incident.
Over 85,000 women have been included in care protocols, enabling healthcare providers to intervene proactively. “Providers can intervene proactively, instead of only responding after violence occurs,” Dr Etiebet explained.
Vital Strategies also unveiled an AI tool called “Canary,” which exposes how alcohol and tobacco industries target youth online.
Despite regulations on traditional advertising, these companies have shifted to unregulated digital ecosystems, using influencers, micro-targeting, and platform loopholes to reach young people.
In March 2025, Canary detected nearly 4,000 alcohol marketing posts reaching 2 billion impressions across Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, and the Philippines.
“Digital alcohol marketing is more effective at initiating youth drinking than traditional advertising,” Dr Etiebet noted.
She observed that some tobacco and alcohol companies are even using AI techniques to reach youth through gaming platforms like Minecraft and the metaverse.
Canary provides governments and advocates with actionable evidence to enforce protections and counter industry interference. Dr Etiebet hopes countries will enact new policies and regulations to curb aggressive marketing tactics, protecting youth from nicotine and alcohol addiction.
“AI is rapidly becoming a game-changer for public health, especially when confronting serious health threats like tobacco, alcohol, and GBV,” she said.
As countries grapple with public health challenges, AI tools like those developed by Vital Strategies offer a promising path forward, empowering policymakers to create informed, effective policies that safeguard vulnerable populations.
