Jimma University hosted an impactful public lecture focused on the future of disease surveillance in Ethiopia. This event was collaboratively organized by the Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center (TIDRC), the Jimma Institute of Technology (JIT), and the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Gelan Ayana Zewdie a Jimma University staff, University of Toronto researcher, and Gates Foundation Rising Star Scientist presented on “Artificial Intelligence for Disease Surveillance: From Research to National Health System Integration.”
A childhood memory of his community in Ethiopia quietly mobilizing to stop polio sparked a vision. Today, that vision is Haqila an AI-powered mobile application that empowers Ethiopians to report health concerns in their own voices.
The name Haqila, meaning “intellectual,” “wise,” or “expert” in Afaan Oromo, reflects deep cultural values of knowledge, wisdom, and social responsibility. Co-created with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health, Jimma University, regional health facilities, and local NGOs, the platform is currently being pilot tested with 28 active users across eight districts in the Jimma Zone.
Authorized users can submit a short report about a health concern, including photos or videos to provide richer context. The AI system analyzes the data and instantly alerts nearby health officers to respond, while simultaneously providing users with basic mitigation information. All reporting fields are mandatory, solving the critical problem of fragmented and incomplete data that has long hampered disease surveillance efforts.
The app works seamlessly offline if a user lacks internet access, it stores reports locally and automatically sends them once connectivity is restored. Currently supporting Amharic, Afaan Oromo, and English, Haqila can identify cases of polio, measles, and mpox, with location data visualized on a dashboard that helps decision-makers detect emerging outbreaks and plan responses.
Dr. Gelan’s journey has taken him from Jimma to the United Nations—and now back home to share his work with the next generation of Ethiopian innovators.
The event was opened by Professor Delenasaw Yewhalaw, Professor of Medical Entomology and Founding Director of TIDRC. In his remarks, Professor Delenasaw emphasized the transformative power of data and its critical role in fueling AI innovation. He called for fresh thinking in how we collect and utilize data—transforming everyday community voices into actionable intelligence for disease prevention. He also underscored the importance of collaboration across institutions, disciplines, and borders to build a healthier future.
Professor Delenasaw reaffirmed Jimma University’s strong commitment to fostering partnerships that bridge cutting-edge research with real-world impact and welcomed opportunities for further collaboration emerging from today’s discussions.
A dynamic Q&A session followed, exploring how AI can be integrated into Ethiopia’s health system to detect outbreaks earlier and save lives. Students, faculty, and health professionals engaged deeply with Dr. Gelan on topics ranging from technical implementation to ethical considerations in AI-driven public health.
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