The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a critical gap in our ability to effectively predict and respond to emerging infectious diseases. The devastating impact of the pandemic serves as a lasting reminder. However, as we move past COVID-19, other viruses or new mutations could still pose a threat.
With virus outbreaks capable of emerging and evolving with unprecedented speed, the global health community faces an ongoing challenge to stay ahead. The stakes are high, as the ability to anticipate viral mutations and prepare effective countermeasures can mean the difference between containment and catastrophe.
Since the pandemic, we have a powerful new ally at our disposal—artificial intelligence (AI). But can AI help predict the next pandemic? Can it help us prepare better to manage virus outbreaks?
While researchers may…