CDC expands use of genomics, emerging technologies to strengthen communicable disease management

Doha, Qatar: The Communicable Disease Center (CDC) at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is advancing Qatar s infectious disease response through cutting...

Doha, Qatar: The Communicable Disease Center (CDC) at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is advancing Qatar’s infectious disease response through cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence (AI), genomics, and digital health applications, according to Medical Director of Hamad General Hospital and Chief Executive Officer of CDC, Dr. Muna Al-Maslamani. 

“We are actively expanding the use of genomics, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies to enhance the detection, diagnosis, and management of communicable diseases in Qatar,” Dr. Al-Maslamani said in an interview with The Peninsula in correspondence. 

“Our work is strengthened through collaborations with leading institutions such as Qatar University and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU).”

One major focus is tuberculosis (TB) management. CDC has contributed to the development of TB-CXRNet, an AI-driven diagnostic tool that uses chest X-rays to detect TB and drug-resistant TB. 

“We are also validating a deep learning-based multimodal system that integrates clinical, radiological, immunological, and microbiological data to detect active TB, including multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant cases,” Dr. Al-Maslamani said.