Aida

You've heard of artificial intelligence (AI) being applied to so many aspects of our world today: image generation, software coding, personal assistants; but how can we utilize AI to directly benefit people with tuberculosis (TB)?

In 2024, KNCV TB Plus initiated the in-house development of a virtual TB treatment supporter for people on BPaL (Bedaquiline, Pretomanid and Linezolid) treatment, accessible via WhatsApp. This AI-powered digital treatment supporter is interactive, multi-language, and educated on TB treatment, common challenges, and overall health concerns. Today, we this supporter has a name: Aida.

How Aida works

After registration via WhatsApp, people on TB treatment receive planned encouraging messages from the virtual treatment supporter and can engage 24/7 by asking questions or sharing challenges they are facing at any moment in the language of their choice. Where available, Aida can be paired with the smart pillbox digital adherence technology (DAT) for inclusion of daily adherence information for tailored support. Aica can be configured to support DR-TB, DS-TB and TPT regimens. 

About Aida

• Aida is an AI chatbot trained to support TB treatment, not a real person.
• Joining is voluntary.
• Users sign up by scanning a QR code and sharing basic details (name/alias, age, gender) via WhatsApp.
• Aida sends reminders, encouragement, and TB-related messages.
• Users can ask questions anytime in their preferred language.
• Conversations are confidential and won’t be shared with clinic staff.

Aim

To build on the momentum we've created, KNCV TB Plus is aiming to explore and evaluate the feasibility, reach and user experiences of Aida in multiple settings in 2025. 

Our approach 

• We will analyze the user interactions for accuracy of the tool's responses (content, language) and for technical performance.
• We will analyze feedback from participants and partners to understand the user experiences and identify areas for improvement.
• We will validate the approach and determine its potential to scale responsibly and relevantly across different settings.

Expected impact

• The virtual TB treatment supporter will provide an additional layer of care for people currently on TB treatment in the selected facilities.
• Aida can be tailored to different local contexts while capable of serving people globally.
• Building organizational capacity for AI projects in the future.

Contact and more information

If you are interested in partnering and/or have any questions about Aida, please reach out to Kristian van Kalmthout or Rachel Powers at digitalhealth@kncvtbc.org.