Global Initiative on Artificial Intelligence for Skin Conditions

Global Initiative on Artificial Intelligence for Skin Conditions

WHO
Skin NTDs App is a valuable tool designed to assist front-line health workers in diagnosing and managing skin-related neglected tropical diseases (skin NTDs).
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The initiative at a glance


About

This WHO Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD)-led Global Initiative discusses progress, challenges, gaps and solutions in developing and implementing artificial augmented intelligence-based apps as a capacity building and monitoring tool for skin NTDs and selected common skin conditions in resource-limited settings.

Augmented intelligence is a subsection of AI machine learning developed to enhance human intelligence rather than operate independently of or replace it outright. It is designed to do so by improving human decision-making and, by extension, actions taken in response to improved decisions.

Objectives of the initiative

  1. To bring together experts, developers, policy-makers, donors and users to share their views and ideas so that there is a robust body of knowledge gathered around WHO on AI for skin conditions.
  2. To allow WHO to overcome some of the challenges identified such as an insufficient number of photographs on skin NTDs to populate functional libraries from which to train AI algorithms.
  3. To ensure a robust, technically sound approach to disseminating, implementing and learning lessons from AI-based tools in real-world settings.

 

A network of institutions

The participating institutions involved non-profit organizations (nongovernmental organizations or professional associations), WHO collaborating centers, public health institutions, academia and private sector. The list is continuously growing as part of WHO’s advocacy and networking efforts.

Collaboration is a key element in progress towards implementing the WHO framework for integrated control and case management of skin NTDs. Elimination and control of skin disease requires coordination of activities to synergize efforts, avoid overlap and harmonize activities.

Be involved


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Our work


The Skin NTDs photo library

At least 500 photographs per disease/subgroup to clearly illustrate each condition/skin type/skin lesion are needed. As of October 2024, we have reached a total of 5693 photos.

To see the progresses and how the photographs are spread across the diseases and subgroups, click on the graph below.

Progress photo library skin NTDs oct 2024

Related resources


Related publications

Ending the neglect to attain the sustainable development goals: a strategic framework for integrated control and management of skin-related neglected tropical diseases
Skin-related neglected tropical diseases, or “skin NTDs”, are historically neglected because active case detection, individual case management, significant...

Related WHO Teams

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All the resources and information from the Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases on Skin NTDs