Researchers from the Complutense University of Madrid have secured funding for a European project focused on developing an interconnected system for monitoring and predicting potential Ebola outbreaks in Sub-Saharan Africa. The project, named EPoCA (Empowering Africa’s Point of Care with Cutting-edge Graphene Biosensing for Rapid Detection and Interconnected Surveillance of Novel Ebola Virus Outbreaks), aims to tackle these challenges by creating a portable diagnostic platform for rapid Ebola detection at the point of care.
EPoCA leverages advanced graphene multiplexing technology in field-effect sensors. These sensors are designed with specially modified graphene layers to allow for quick and accurate identification of the Ebola virus in blood samples from suspected patients. A key feature of the platform is its integration with a cloud-based AI system. Diagnostic results obtained locally will be transmitted to a central server, where customized AI software will analyze the data to track disease patterns and identify unusual trends, enabling predictions of potential public health emergencies. This system will issue health alerts across interconnected platforms, ensuring timely responses to threats that cross national and international borders.
The EPoCA platform will be deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Ebola is endemic, and Ghana, where the virus is not currently present. This dual approach aims to enhance outbreak detection and response capabilities across diverse contexts. By combining graphene biosensors, AI, and real-time data sharing, EPoCA seeks to mitigate both local and global impacts of the virus and strengthen health systems in affected regions.
Initiated in July 2024, EPoCA is a three-year project funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe program. It involves a diverse consortium of academic partners from Spain and Italy, alongside technological companies and research institutions from Ghana and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This collaborative effort integrates expertise in biosensors, artificial intelligence, and public health to develop a comprehensive solution for Ebola detection and surveillance.
The need for rapid and coordinated responses to Ebola outbreaks has never been more pressing. Previous outbreaks, including the 2014-2016 epidemic in West Africa, underscored the importance of swift detection and intervention. The lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the urgency for effective diagnostic solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa, where efficient response systems are crucial to managing future public health crises.
Article written by IMMédico
02/10/2024
Source:
IMMédico
https://www.immedicohospitalario.es/noticia/47913/investigadores-de-la-complutense-desarrollan-un-sistema-de-prediccion.html