Indonesia creating AI-driven system for malaria detection

National Research and Innovation Agency develops innovative solution to support nation’s goal of eradicating malaria by 2030

JAKARTA, Indonesia (MNTV) – Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is developing an artificial intelligence system to revolutionize malaria diagnosis, as part of the nation’s drive to eradicate the disease by 2030, reports Vietnam News Agency.

Anto Satriyo Nugroho, Director of the Centre for AI and Cybersecurity Research at BRIN, has announced that researchers have trained the AI model on over 1,300 microscopic images of blood samples infected with malaria parasites.

Early testing indicates that the system can accurately identify infected erythrocytes, classify parasite species, and determine developmental stages. The model has achieved an overall accuracy of 80.6%. 

Nugroho said AI analyzes the characteristic morphology of four malaria parasite species across various lifecycle stages. However, the parasites’ continuous morphological transformation remains a significant hurdle to improving diagnostic precision.

According to the World Health Organisation, Indonesia recorded approximately 500,000 malaria cases in 2024. Nearly 88% of these infections were reported in Papua, underscoring the urgent need for rapid, reliable diagnostic tools in high-risk regions. 

BRIN’s AI initiative forms part of a broader national strategy that combines innovative technology, expanded healthcare access, and community engagement to drive down transmission rates.