Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), among them diabetes, asthma, cancer, hypertension, and mental health, remain one of the most urgent challenges in global health. Addressing them requires more than just innovation — it demands collaboration, equity, and leadership from diverse perspectives.* This project was born from that belief, combining research, technology, and community-driven action to tackle the growing burden of NCDs
Our journey began with a shared recognition of the destructiveness of NCDs within our local communities, which is exacerbated in global communities facing even greater socio-demographic, economic, and environmental inequalities. Our research resulted in a generalizable model that significantly improved prediction accuracy, identifying trends and patterns that were previously overlooked in major studies. By expanding the scope to include underrepresented communities, we not only shed light on the hidden aspects of the 'invisible' epidemic but also opened the door to practical solutions. We had the pleasure of receiving an award for our research at the 3rd International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering (ICAISE2024) conference in Singapore, which is set to be published in IEEE Xplore.
From research to action: Building NCD CareAI
As co-founders, we realised early on that our research needed to go beyond data analysis and academic presentations. We wanted to create a tool that could directly empower communities to address the NCD burden in their own contexts. This shared vision led us to develop NCD CareAI, a web application designed to predict the prevalence of the most oppressive NCDs.
Our team collaborated with environmental scientists, healthcare professionals, and individuals directly impacted by NCDs to ensure the tool was both accurate and accessible. By combining our strengths and perspectives, we created something that truly reflects the needs of both our local and global communities.
The Global Week for Action on NCDs emphasises the critical need for leadership and collaboration in addressing these diseases. Our work as co-founders has shown us just how important it is, especially with youth, to engage communities in the search for solutions. Tools like NCD CareAI are only as effective as the people who use them, and empowering local, regional, and international clinics is a crucial step towards creating a lasting impact.
Limited resources remain one of the biggest barriers. As highlighted in the campaign, many families in low- and middle-income countries are forced to pay out-of-pocket for NCD care, pushing millions into poverty. By offering predictive insights, NCD CareAI can help these communities allocate their resources more effectively, setting the stage for greater, systematic change to occur.
Moving ahead
As we continue this journey, we are inspired by the potential of technology to transform NCD care. But more importantly, we are reminded that tools like NCD CareAI are just one piece of the puzzle. By working together, we can bridge the gaps in leadership and resources, creating a future where every community has the necessary resources to not only combat NCDs, but also the myriad of other disasters that mark our world in the 21st century.
We also wanted to highlight the power of youth, a demographic traditionally overlooked by society, yet whose advocacy is born through passion and ingenuity. The key to a just world lies in collaboration—between community leaders, healthcare workers, advocates, and now, youth. Together, we can build a healthier, more equitable world, regardless of occupation, gender, or age.
NCD CareAI’s website: https://ncdcare.org/pages/main.
If you are interested in partnering with us, please reach out: ncdcare.official@gmail.com.