TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS IN COMMUNICABLE DISEASES SURVEILLANCE: A NEW ERA OF PUBLIC HEALTH INTELLIGENCE

Recent advancements in technology have revolutionized communicable disease surveillance, transitioning public health systems from reactive to proactive approaches. Tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and big data analytics now enable real-time detection, predictive modelling, and faster outbreak response. Mobile health (mHealth) platforms, social media analytics, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices provide continuous and diverse data streams for early warning systems. During pandemics like COVID-19, digital contact tracing and AI driven dashboards greatly improved situational awareness. Blockchain is also emerging as a tool for secure and transparent health data management. Despite these innovations, challenges such as data privacy, interoperability, and equity in technology access persist. Addressing these barriers is essential for a more inclusive and effective surveillance ecosystem.