UAV-Based Surveillance and Monitoring for Improved Management of Infectious Diseases: Current Status, Progress and Challenges

Abstract

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have emerged as a promising tool in the management of infectious diseases due to their capability to gather large amounts of data in real-time over wide areas. UAV-based surveillance and monitoring can enhance the effectiveness of traditional disease management strategies by providing timely information on disease transmission, pathogen distribution, and environmental factors that contribute to the spread of infectious diseases. In this paper, we review the current status, progress, and challenges of UAV-based surveillance and monitoring for improved management of infectious diseases. We provide an overview of the different types of UAVs and sensors used in disease surveillance and monitoring, and discuss the key applications of UAVs in disease management, including disease mapping, vector control, and outbreak response. We also highlight the challenges and limitations of UAV-based surveillance and monitoring, including technical, regulatory, and ethical issues, and discuss potential solutions to overcome these challenges. Finally, we identify future directions for research and development in UAV-based surveillance and monitoring for improved management of infectious diseases. Overall, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of UAV-based surveillance and monitoring in infectious disease management and highlights the potential for UAVs to enhance disease surveillance, response, and control efforts in the future.