The use of artificial intelligence in coordinating COVID-19 prevention measures at the territorial level

Abstract

Introduction. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presented a significant challenge for global society, leaving a profound impact across the board. Although COVID-19 cases are still reported, they are no longer at previously high levels. One of the key tools in combating the pandemic was Artificial Intelligence (AI), which played a vital and advancing role throughout the pandemic. AI contributed significantly to the gradual reduction in COVID-19 cases. Effective coordination of the pandemic response, timely management, and the integration of AI into the medical system were crucial factors in achieving success. Materials and methods. A comprehensive literature review focusing on publications from 2019 to 2024 was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct. Twenty publications were selected for their relevance to AI in the COVID- 19 response, based on criteria such as accessibility, language, and publication type. Result. The review focused on the significant role of AI during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting its impact on public health and medical systems. In countries like the USA, China, and South Korea, AI was crucial in tracking the virus, predicting infection trends, and optimizing resource allocation. AI models helped identify outbreak hotspots and enabled targeted interventions, while natural language processing efficiently managed extensive data. Conversely, in countries such as Brazil, Mexico, India, and many African nations, AI was used less extensively due to limitations in technological infrastructure and data availability. The pandemic drove a closer integration of AI with medical services, streamlining processes and saving time. AI also enhanced laboratory efficiency and supported the development of new medications and vaccines. Despite its potential, the uneven adoption highlighted disparities in technological readiness and resource allocation during the crisis. Conclusions. The COVID-19 pandemic has once again highlighted that we live in an era of advanced technology and underscores the need for closer integration between healthcare systems and artificial intelligence. This integration allows for more effective and timely management of current and future health challenges. AI contributes to a more rapid and high-quality response to emergencies, providing innovative solutions for both existing and upcoming challenges.