Mastercard Foundation scholar innovates AI for global health at AUB

A Mastercard Foundation Scholar, Ademola Adesokan, at the American University of Beirut (AUB), has revolutionized the use of artificial intelligence in public health. Ademola Adesokan, an MSC graduate student from AUB’s Department of Computer Science, has spearheaded groundbreaking research focused on real-time facemask detection powered by deep learning. His significant findings were published in the International Journal of Intelligent Systems and Applications (IJISA), Volume 14, Issue 6.

During the height of the pandemic, Adesokan recognized the urgent need for technology to address critical public health challenges. “I believe technology should respond to humanity’s greatest needs, and that was my goal during the height of COVID-19,” he stated.

Adesokan’s research paper, titled “Covid-19 Control: Face Mask Detection Using Deep Learning for Balanced and Unbalanced Dataset,” tackles a key limitation in existing mask detection systems: their inability to accurately identify masks that are worn incorrectly. While many existing tools only differentiate between masked and unmasked individuals, Adesokan advanced the field by developing models capable of distinguishing between correctly and incorrectly worn masks—a crucial aspect in mitigating virus transmission.

His innovative approach was built as an object detection model tested on both balanced and unbalanced datasets, which adeptly processed video streams at 40 frames per second, making it particularly effective in crowded public spaces like airports, schools, and hospitals. “By detecting improper usage, we can prevent false compliance and truly reduce infection rates,” Adesokan emphasized.

This project, officially published in December 2022 by MECS Press, has garnered international recognition, establishing Adesokan as a key contributor in the field of AI-driven solutions for global public health challenges. His innovation did not go unnoticed: Adesokan was named a recipient of the prestigious and highly selective Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme award in 2021—an honor bestowed on entrepreneurs with extraordinary ideas capable of transforming Africa.

The award was granted in recognition of his exceptional application of artificial intelligence to combat public health threats during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adesokan’s solution stood out among thousands of submissions for its originality, technical merit, and real-world impact. As part of the programme, he received seed funding, mentorship, and access to a global network of innovators dedicated to shaping Africa’s future through technology.

According to Dr. David Clement, a researcher at Nile University and the African University of Science and Technology, “This model showcases a unique and original contribution in the application of AI to global health—a clear example of outstanding achievement.”

This pioneering research highlights the potential of technology in public health and serves as a beacon of hope and innovation for the future, especially across developing nations where access to healthcare technology remains limited.