Pakistan should turn to artificial intelligence in the final push to eradicate polio
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groundbreaking move is required to eliminate the last vestiges of polio. Pakistan should consider embracing artificial intelligence as a strategic tool in its public health arsenal. The country, one of only two in the world where the wild poliovirus remains endemic, is preparing to deploy AI technologies to predict outbreaks, optimise vaccination drives and combat vaccine misinformation.
Integration of this technology-driven approach could be the game-changer Pakistan needs to wipe out the virus.
Despite decades of progress and global support, Pakistan continues to face persistent hurdles in its fight against polio, ranging from vaccine refusal and logistical bottlenecks to the spread of misinformation and inaccessible populations.
This is not just about administering more vaccines, it’s also about using smart tools to ensure that no child is missed and that every response is targeted.
The proposed concept should focus upon following key AI applications:
Predictive risk mapping: Machine learning models can analyse historical data, climate trends and human mobility to identify high-risk zones before outbreaks occur.
Surveillance enhancement: Natural Language Processing will be used to monitor social media and news outlets to detect rumors or early signs of polio cases.
Campaign optimisation: AI will help streamline logistics—such as vaccine distribution and field team deployment—using satellite imagery and real-time data.
Behavioural insights: Algorithms will help segment populations by behaviour and beliefs, enabling more effective communication strategies to counter misinformation and boost vaccine acceptance.
Decision support dashboards: Health authorities will receive live insights through digital dashboards, enabling quick, data-driven decision-making.
Integrating AI into public health systems will require secure data infrastructure, training of frontline workers and safeguards for data privacy. The risks are manageable and far outweighed by the potential benefits.
The rollout should begin with pilot programmes in selected high-risk districts. After evaluation, the system can be refined and expanded nationally over the next two years. The Ministry of National Health Services should lead the effort in collaboration with global partners such as the WHO, the UNICEF, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) and tech experts from academia and the private sector.
Integrating AI into public health systems will require secure data infrastructure, training of frontline workers and safeguards for data privacy. However, the risks are manageable and far outweighed by the potential benefits.
Risk mitigation
Data privacy and security: Implement strict data protection protocols and encryption
Limited digital access: Integrate with traditional outreach systems
Resistance to new technologies: Engage stakeholders early and build local capacity
Inadequate data quality: Standardise data collection and validation procedures
AI isn’t a silver bullet, but it is a powerful accelerator. It allows for smarter targeting, faster responses and better use of resources.
Beyond polio, this AI model can be replicated for broader health challenges in Pakistan, from measles outbreaks to maternal health and climate-sensitive diseases like dengue fever.
As Pakistan inches closer to a historic milestone in global health, the fusion of technology and public service may finally tip the balance in a decades-long battle.
The writer is a senior public health leader from Pakistan with international experience of design and management of health systems strengthening initiatives.