MYVET: AI-enabled ICT platform for antibiotic data surveillance

MyVET is a multifaceted interactive ICT platform that combines advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and natural language processing (NLP) to analyze large volumes of data and identify patterns and trends in antibiotic usage (AMU) and antibiotic resistance (AMR) in humans, livestock and the environment. 

Professor Lawrence Mugisha is a Primary Investigator leading a multidisciplinary team of experts from academia and research, local private IT companies, government agencies and Non-governmental Organisations. 

The "MyVET" solution addresses the current challenges of limited and or absence of reliable, real-time, IT-enabled data collection tools for antibiotic usage and antimicrobial resistance both in animals and humans at various supply, access and usage levels. Our proposed platform embeds innovation, integration and implementation to address the complex challenges for AMU and AMR data collection, analysis, display and interpretation to direct appropriate interventions and to inform policies. Our geographical occupancy is dominated by remote and rural settings with the majority of the population impoverished and living in poor conditions with their animals that predispose them to several diseases that affect their health and well-being. These communities have poor access to health services and often lack proper guidance on safe medication practices, leading to the misuse of antibiotics and the spread of resistant microbes.

MyVET has a component for antimicrobial stewardship through education, monitoring, and the alteration of medication practices. By focusing on both human and animal health, the solution addresses a key driver of AMR in these communities. This approach is essential for creating a sustainable impact on public health and for safeguarding the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations.

MyVET is a solution that primarily serves individuals living in low-income communities, especially livestock farmers and humans in rural settings as well as peri-urban and urban settings. Due to limited access to healthcare and a lack of awareness about safe medication/usage practices, this demographic is at a higher risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). MyVET aims to address this issue by providing education on correct antibiotic usage and the dangers of AMR. Additionally, the solution offers guidance and recommendations on medication/usage practices based on data collected within the community, as well as community engagement to ensure that the solution is tailored to their specific needs. Ultimately, MyVET improves overall health and well-being by reducing the prevalence of AMR, ensuring that antibiotics remain effective for both current and future generations. My VET is a community-centric solution that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health and that of their animals.

MyVET is a critical contributor to global public health by combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in low-income communities. MyVET offers a variety of benefits that make up a significant public good, such as increasing public health awareness, providing accessible data, preventing AMR spread, and empowering communities. MyVET can educate communities on safe medication practices and the risks of AMR, leading to improved community health. The program collects data and produces insights available to healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers, promoting a comprehensive understanding and informed decision-making in the fight against AMR. By focusing on modifying medication practices and reducing the misuse of antibiotics, MyVET plays a vital role in preventing AMR spread, crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of antibiotics, a cornerstone of modern medicine. The program empowers local communities with knowledge and tools to tackle AMR, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards health management and leading to sustainable health practices. My VET provides a public good that benefits not only the immediate communities it serves but also makes a valuable contribution to global health and well-being by addressing a critical and growing health threat.

MyVET is a solution that generates a measurable impact for residents of low-income communities, who often face limited healthcare access and awareness and are at a higher risk of misusing antibiotics, thus contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The impact of MyVET is multifaceted, primarily revolving around improved medication practices, data-driven health interventions, knowledge empowerment, and support for health systems.

MyVET fosters safer medication/use practices by educating community members on proper antibiotic use, directly reducing the incidence of AMR. This benefit extends beyond individuals, as reduced AMR preserves the effectiveness of antibiotics, benefitting entire communities and their animals. The solution provides data insights for targeted health interventions, benefiting community health outcomes.

My VET improves community health literacy and public health behaviors by educating individuals about AMR risks and safe medication practices. MyVET provides data and insights to healthcare providers and policymakers to address local AMR challenges and strengthen health systems.

In essence, MyVET generates a positive impact on public health by promoting healthier communities, reducing the spread of AMR, and enhancing the effectiveness of antibiotics, all contributing to the broader goal of sustainable public health improvements.

MyVET plans to expand its reach and impact by implementing various strategies over the coming years. Firstly, the consortium aims to extend its pilot program to high-risk regions in Uganda. Secondly, MyVET will refine the artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to enhance their data collection and analysis capabilities. Building partnerships with local health organisations, NGOs, and government bodies is a critical component of their scaling strategy. Over the next three years, the consortium plans to extend its program to neighbouring East African countries and adapt the solution to different cultural and linguistic contexts. We also intend to collaborate with health authorities (both human and animals) to integrate their insights into national health policies and AMR strategies. Through community education efforts and updating their technological framework to include more languages and dialects, MyVET aims to transform medication practices in low-income communities. With these steps, the consortium hopes to significantly contribute to the global fight against AMR.

The effectiveness of MyVET's impact goals is gauged by a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics. The primary quantitative indicator of the project's impact is the reduction in antibiotic-resistant infections in the communities served. Medication/usage practices are evaluated through surveys and data analysis to monitor changes and to signify progress, a reduction in self-medication and unregulated antibiotic use. Regular assessments will be conducted to measure the extent to which community awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance and safe medication practices have increased. The level of community engagement and reach is determined by tracking the use and interaction rates with the MyVET app and educational materials. Feedback from local healthcare providers and veterinarians on changes in patient and client behaviour regarding antibiotic use is also gathered. Additionally, the extent to which MyVET's insights are utilised in local and regional policy-making related to AMR is evaluated. These metrics provide a comprehensive view of MyVET's success in achieving its goals, encompassing both direct health impacts and broader behavioural and educational outcomes.

Deploying and utilizing the MyVET platform in low-income communities may be hindered by technological access and literacy, data privacy and security concerns, cultural resistance to change, regulatory and policy hurdles, funding and resource allocation, and scalability and adaptation challenges. To address these obstacles, proactive strategies will be implemented, such as training programs to enhance digital literacy, user-friendly interfaces accessible via basic mobile devices, and data protection measures. Tailoring educational content that respects cultural norms and utilising local languages can help mitigate cultural resistance to change. It is also essential to engage early with regulatory bodies, diversify funding sources, and develop a scalable model for localisation of content and services and piloting in diverse settings. By proactively addressing these barriers, MyVET aims to overcome obstacles to its deployment and efficacy, setting a foundation for a significant impact in the fight against antimicrobial resistance in low-income communities over the next year and beyond.

MyVET is eager to apply to The Trinity Challenge, as it is firmly aligned with our mission to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in low-income communities through innovative technology and data-driven approaches. The Trinity Challenge represents an incomparable opportunity to leverage global expertise, resources, and networks in public health, technology, and academia, which are critical to scaling our solution and maximising its impact.

The Trinity Challenge can assist us in overcoming several vital barriers. Access to cutting-edge technology and expertise will enable us to refine our AI-driven platform, making it more robust and effective in tracking and analysing AMR data. Support from The Trinity Challenge network can facilitate our expansion into new regions, providing insights into local healthcare systems, regulatory landscapes, and cultural considerations.

The challenge can connect us with potential funding sources and partnerships, aiding in developing a sustainable financial model for MyVET. Engagement with global health leaders involved in The Trinity Challenge can enhance our efforts to influence policy and integrate AMR strategies into public health planning at higher levels. The Trinity Challenge offers the collaborative ecosystem and resources essential for overcoming these barriers, propelling MyVET towards achieving its goals.

MyVET would like to leverage expertise from several organizations locally and internationally. 

1. Mobile and internet service providers like MTN, AIRTEL to connect us to registered users for quick and easy enrollment of MYVET Users. 

2. Uganda Communication Commission (UCC). As an integrated regulatory body overseeing various sectors, including Telecommunications, Data Communications, Broadcasting, Postal Communication, Radio Communication, and Infrastructure services throughout Uganda, will provide guidance and support to effectively deploy MYVET platform. 

3. Cloud service providers for secure storage and access of stored data