An overview of Artificial Intelligence - powered early detection systems is given. Showcases will be covered that include early detection algorithms for COVID-19 and the current work on malaria and air quality. These are embedded into the overarching problem of early detection of public health crises. The importance of collecting and processing vast amounts of diverse data for AI-powered early detection systems is highlighted. The unique capabilities of Africa-Canada AI & Data Innovation consortium in building such kind of systems are illustrated."