January 2024
The Tuberculosis Data, Impact Assessment and Communications Hub (TB DIAH) project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), works to improve the collection, analysis, and use of TB (tuberculosis) data throughout the world. TB DIAH is accomplishing this objective by using a Center of Excellence (COE) model as a means of providing technical assistance in the Eastern Europe and Eurasia (EEE) region. While TB DIAH oversees this virtual COE in TB Monitoring, Evaluation, and Surveillance, it operates with the expertise of staff from Georgia’s National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC) and the National Center for Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (NCTLD). The COE aims to use and improve existing TB data, expand knowledge sharing, and promote best practices in TB monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and surveillance in the EEE region.
TB DIAH launched the COE website (https://coe.tbdiah.org/) as a repository for COE information and resources. Visitors to the website can find the COE objectives, pillars of work, key TB data for each EEE country, and links to other COE resources such as success stories, training reports, and webinars.
One of the main features of the COE website is MELVIN, which stands for Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, Vision, and Information. MELVIN is a conversational artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot aimed at expanding M&E knowledge and enhancing learning experiences in TB. It represents TB DIAH’s vision to harness the power of emerging technology to navigate professionals in relevant resources and information.
MELVIN has promising potential for enhancing the learning experience. It can adapt its responses based on the specific needs and preferences of individual users (or learners) and offer personalized learning pathways, suggesting resources and topics that align with everyone’s skill level and goals.
MELVIN can provide instant access to a growing repository of curated materials related to TB and TB M&E. This ensures that users have access to up-to-date and relevant information at their fingertips, reducing the time spent searching for resources. Instead of professionals having to search multiple platforms or sources for information, MELVIN can serve as a one-stop hub, pulling together diverse resources for comprehensive learning.
The platform is always available to answer questions, provide explanations, and offer guidance on TB-related topics. This continuous learning support ensures that users can access assistance whenever and wherever they need it, enhancing their overall learning experience and the motivation to learn, explore and develop.
MELVIN can engage learners in interactive conversations, helping them clarify doubts, explore complex concepts, and engage in meaningful discussions. Interactive learning through conversations can be more engaging and effective than passive reading or video content. It can also generate interactive elements, such as quizzes, simulations, or scenario-based exercises to deepen understanding and improve retention.
By analyzing user interactions, MELVIN can provide data-driven insights into common areas where professionals struggle, prompting the development of new learning modules or resources to address those gaps.
MELVIN uses GPT-4, a cutting-edge language model, as its response engine, drawing from a carefully curated, specialized knowledge base that is isolated from the public, general AI training data. This separation is crucial in maintaining the integrity and relevance of the information that MELVIN provides, especially given the technical and complex nature of TB and TB M&E.
MELVIN is not just an information repository; it’s a bespoke, intelligent resource that has been fine-tuned to cater specifically to the needs of those working in the TB sector. Its isolated and carefully managed knowledge base allows for a level of specialization and depth that is often lacking in broader, generalized AI systems. For professionals in the field, MELVIN can represent a unique resource, offering targeted, contextually accurate, and deeply insightful information.
