Health authorities enter an Army boot camp in the northern county of Yeoncheon on Nov. 25, 2020, after dozens of newly enlisted soldiers tested positive for the new coronavirus. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Korea Bizwire) — The military plans to develop an integrated support system that can ensure early detection and rapid response to contagious disease threats and signals.
The Armed Forces Medical Command is on track to develop and establish an integrated contagious disease surveillance support system for the entire military, sources said Monday.
This system uses artificial intelligence (AI) and big data to forecast contagious disease threats within the military, prevents the spread of such diseases through real-time analysis and monitoring of patients, and supports rapid supply of goods and epidemiologic investigation.
“Since the 1970s, more than 30 new contagious diseases have emerged, with the cycle of epidemic and pandemic having been shortened,” the medical command said.
“Against this backdrop, it’s necessary to promote international collaboration and the national response to transnational and non-traditional threats.”
In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a number of large-scale group infections within the military, raising the need to strengthen surveillance systems to prevent the spread of new contagious diseases.
Military authorities also expect the establishment of such a system to contribute to an integrated response to the North Korean biological weapon threat.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
