Haleon: Deploying AI to Predict Dengue Outbreaks in Colombia

Dengue is one of the world’s most pressing public health challenges. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), around half of the global population is now at risk, with an estimated 100-400 million infections occurring each year.

Spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes, dengue outbreaks are particularly prevalent in tropical and subtropical climates. However, changing weather patterns, rising temperatures and shifting rainfall are contributing to the expanding geographical distribution of the disease.

2027’s expected El Niño could add further fuel to dengue’s global spread.

In response to this growing threat, consumer health company Haleon has launched an AI-powered predictive tool designed to forecast potential dengue outbreaks up to six weeks in advance.

Known as Fever Forecaster, the platform combines multiple sources of information, including satellite imagery, weather patterns, epidemiological records and aggregated online search trends, to identify areas where dengue risk could be increasing.

Colombian launch

The tool is launching initially in Colombia, one of the countries most heavily affected by dengue, where more than 320,000 cases were reported in 2024.

Fever Forecaster will be made available to a network of approximately 30,000 healthcare professionals, including GPs, paediatricians and pharmacists.

By providing earlier visibility of potential outbreaks, Haleon hopes Fever Forecaster will give healthcare professionals additional information to support their own expertise and professional judgement when preparing for periods of increased risk and demand.

Crucially, the technology is intended to support population-level planning rather than individual diagnosis or treatment. Its forecasts are generated using machine learning models trained on historical disease cases alongside climate, environmental and population data.

Andrés González, President of Latin America at Haleon, explains in a LinkedIn post: “This new tool transforms data into useful information to help health professionals and pharmacy clerks identify periods of increased risk of dengue and prepare to respond in a more timely manner to the needs of their communities.

“For me, this launch represents very well what we seek to do from Haleon in Latin America: combine science, technology, health education and the trust of our brands to generate a tangible impact on people's lives.

“Colombia is the starting point of an initiative that reflects our ambition to continue innovating to make better daily health more achievable for all.”

From 2027, Haleon plans to expand Fever Forecaster into additional markets, including the Middle East and Africa.

Panadol central to dengue treatment efforts

One of Haleon’s best-known global brands is Panadol, its over-the-counter (OTC) paracetamol medicine, which provides relief from pain and fever – two common symptoms associated with dengue.

Known locally in Colombia as Dolex, the brand is central to Haleon’s wider efforts to support communities affected by the disease.

Prior to launching Fever Forecaster, the company introduced an awareness campaign in Colombia designed to educate communities about recognising dengue symptoms, understanding the risks and knowing when to seek appropriate medical advice.

With Dolex as a trusted choice for reducing fever during dengue season, the campaign placed the brand at the heart of its messaging, helping translate health information into practical guidance for consumers.

Kathryn Swallow, Haleon’s OTC Category Head, says Panadol “has long been trusted by Colombian households for fever and pain and is the recommended number 1 choice for reducing fever during dengue season.

"Now, we are building on that trust in a bigger way, helping people better understand what to look for, take practical action and feel clearer on when to seek appropriate medical advice.

“That is the magic of this campaign. It takes a serious and complex public health challenge and makes it visible and easier to act on, in a way that feels unmistakably Colombian. It is a bold, culturally fluent movement, and a brilliant example of how our brands can move beyond symptom relief to play a more proactive role in people’s everyday health.”

A truly global focus

Haleon’s work to anticipate dengue outbreaks and reduce their impact on communities aligns with its wider corporate strategy, Win as One, which sets out the company's ambitions to reach one billion more consumers by 2030 and generate industry-leading shareholder returns.

The strategy is underpinned by four strategic drivers: Health in more hands; Superior brands; Wired for excellence; and Full potential people. Fever Forecaster offers a practical example of how several of these priorities can work together.

Rather than positioning AI as an end in itself, Fever Forecaster demonstrates how predictive technology can be applied to a specific healthcare challenge, combining different datasets to provide information that professionals can use in their day-to-day work.

Geographical expansion will be an important next step. With further markets expected to follow from 2027, Haleon will have the opportunity to adapt the platform to different disease patterns and local healthcare requirements, potentially extending its application to communities facing similar public health challenges.

Haleon - key partners

Microsoft

CEO: Satya Nadella | HQ: Redmond, Washington

A five-year collaboration announced in June 2026 to accelerate Haleon's adoption of AI, data and digital technologies. The partnership includes Microsoft 365 Copilot, agentic AI and the development of AI applications across consumer insights, scientific research, supply chain and commercial operations. 

Care International

Secretary-General and Executive Director : Reintje van Haeringen | HQ: Geneva, Switzerland

Haleon works with CARE International through its Better Everyday Health Project, supporting community-led initiatives to improve access to everyday health information and products. The collaboration focuses on strengthening the capabilities of local health educators, pharmacy workers and community leaders, helping communities make more informed health decisions.