Technical Brief: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning for Immunisation

The technical brief explores the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in immunisation programs. It emphasises the utilisation of AI/ML to enhance the delivery of immunisation services, supply chain management, disease surveillance, and social behaviour communication. Predictive analytics, AI-enabled chatbots, and decision support systems are among the AI applications that can optimise vaccine demand forecasting, improve the identification of zero-dose children, and improve supply chain operations.The optimisation of vaccine distribution, the prediction of disease outbreaks, and the facilitation of more precise microplanning are among the primary opportunities for AI/ML in immunisation. Nevertheless, the brief also highlights the necessity of high-quality data, ethical considerations, and a robust digital infrastructure, as well as potential dangers such as algorithmic bias and data quality issues.The document concludes with suggestions for Gavi and its collaborators to facilitate the implementation of AI/ML technologies in countries that receive support from Gavi. These include the establishment of rigorous data governance, the promotion of multi-stakeholder collaboration, and the mitigation of potential biases in AI models to guarantee equitable access to immunisation services.The brief underscores the necessity of establishing the requisite infrastructure, digital health systems, and skilled personnel to effectively integrate AI/ML into immunisation programs.