The role of digital health technologies in strengthening public health surveillance and disease prevention

Chisom Ijeoma Adirika 1, Chioma U Okerulu 2, *, Taiwo Dolapo Oluyemo 3, Echezona Uzoma 4 and Sarah Adi Paul 5

1 Public Health, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.
2 Public Health, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
3 Pharmaceutical Science, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, Maryland, USA.
4 Information Technology Solutions, Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
5 Public Policy Program, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.
 
Research Article
International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 2024, 13(02), 4216-4223.
Article DOI: 10.30574/ijsra.2024.13.2.2150
Publication history: 
Received on 25 November 2024; Revised on 16 December 2024; Accepted on 31 December 2024
 
Abstract: 
Digital health technologies progressed at an accelerated pace to transform public health surveillance and disease prevention by developing advanced data collection techniques combined with real-time analysis which enables the swift distribution of critical health information. Artificial intelligence big data analytics the Internet of Things and mobile health applications together expanded healthcare systems' abilities to detect monitor and respond to disease outbreaks and public health threats more effectively. Machine learning algorithms work alongside AI-driven predictive models to detect infectious disease outbreaks early which provides public health officials with vital information for proactive intervention.
Smartwatches and biosensors embody IoT-enabled wearable technology which facilitates continuous health monitoring to improve chronic disease management while providing instant alerts for potential health threats. Electronic health records together with digital dashboards facilitate integrated disease surveillance through seamless data exchange which boosts coordination among healthcare providers researchers and policymakers. Pandemic response efforts saw telemedicine and digital contact tracing become critical tools that allowed healthcare services to remain accessible while minimizing physical interactions. The integration of blockchain technology with cloud platforms enhances data security protocols and privacy maintenance while supporting healthcare system compatibility across different networks. Digital health solutions encounter widespread adoption challenges due to factors such as data privacy issues combined with regulatory complexities and technological disparities alongside infrastructure limitations.
 
Keywords: 
Digital Health; Public Health Surveillance; Disease Prevention; Artificial Intelligence; Big Data Analytics; Pandemic
 
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