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AI4NTD consortium publication highlights the potential of AI-driven diagnostics for neglected tropical diseases
A new scientific publication from the AI4NTD consortium highlights how artificial intelligence and digital pathology can support large-scale diagnosis and surveillance of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), bringing innovative diagnostic solutions closer to implementation in endemic regions. The publication marks an important milestone reflecting the achievements of the AI4NTD project and reinforces the growing role of AI-enabled technologies in global health innovation.
Advancing AI-powered diagnostics for global health
AI4NTD (concluded in 2022) was an international public–private collaboration that developed an automated AI-driven diagnostic platform for neglected tropical diseases, initially focusing on soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis. These diseases affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where access to scalable and reliable diagnostics remains a major challenge.
The newly published AI4NTD consortium article describes the development of an artificial intelligence-powered digital pathology platform designed to support large-scale deworming programmes and disease surveillance efforts. By combining AI with digital microscopy and pathology, the platform was designed to improve diagnostic accuracy, enable real-time data generation and support more targeted treatment strategies in resource-limited settings.
The research demonstrates how advanced digital technologies can contribute to strengthening disease control programmes and improving operational decision-making in the field. Importantly, the work also highlights the value of cross-sector collaboration in translating innovative technologies into practical healthcare solutions.
About the publication
Title: An artificial intelligence-powered digital pathology platform to support large-scale deworming programs against soil-transmitted helminthiasis and intestinal schistosomiasis in resource-limited settings
Authors: Peter K Ward, Mohammed Aliy Mohammed, Mio Ayana Heda, Lindsay A Broadfield, Peter Dahlberg, Daniel Dana, Gemechu Tadesse Leta, Zeleke Mekonnen, Betty Nabatte, Narcis Kabatereine, Kristina M Orrling, Sofie Van Hoecke, Bruno Levecke, Lieven J Stuyver.
Read the publication here.
Lygature’s role in AI4NTD
Within AI4NTD, Lygature contributed its expertise in building and managing complex international partnerships that bring together stakeholders from academia, industry, public health organisations and implementation partners. The consortium includes partners such as Janssen Pharmaceutica, Merck, academic institutions, public health authorities in Uganda and Ethiopia, technology partners and global health organisations.
Lygature supported the collaboration through partnership management, coordination and strategic alignment, helping ensure that scientific, operational and implementation perspectives remain connected throughout the project lifecycle. This reflects Lygature’s broader role as an independent expertise centre for complex multi-stakeholder collaborations in health innovation and emerging technology domains, including artificial intelligence.
The project also contributes to strengthening Lygature’s growing expertise in AI-enabled health innovation, where data, diagnostics, digital infrastructure and collaboration increasingly intersect.
At Lygature, the AI4NTD project was led by Kristina Orrling, whose extensive experience in global health partnerships and strategic collaboration supports the consortium’s long-term vision and implementation efforts.
Kristina Orrling, Senior Partnership LeaderAI4NTD shows how artificial intelligence can become a meaningful enabler of global health impact when combined with strong partnerships and implementation expertise. At Lygature, we are happy to have contributed our expertise in building and guiding these complex collaborations so that innovative technologies can move towards real-world impact.
Strengthening AI expertise through collaboration
As health innovation becomes increasingly data-driven and interconnected, projects such as AI4NTD illustrate the importance of trusted collaboration structures that enable scientific, technological and societal expertise to come together effectively.
For Lygature, the AI4NTD project represented not only an important global health initiative, but also a strong example of how the organisation contributes to shaping and supporting complex AI-enabled partnerships that aim to deliver sustainable impact for patients and society.
The recent AI4NTD consortium publication further demonstrates how collaborative innovation can accelerate the translation of advanced technologies into practical solutions for pressing global health challenges.