<p>Communicable diseases are one of the major health hazards that have an increasing likelihood of turning into health disasters. The rapid transmission of communicable diseases among individuals presents a substantial and sustained threat to public health. Timely interventions, robust surveillance systems and collaborative endeavors involving healthcare professionals, policymakers and the public are essential for the effective mitigation, management and control of communicable diseases. The proactive identification and implementation of preventive measures, early detection and swift response strategies are crucial components in mitigating the impact of these diseases on the overall well-being of communities. Recognizing the interconnectedness of global health, fostering international cooperation, information-sharing and adopting latest technologies can further enhance the collective capability to address and combat the challenges posed by communicable diseases. In this paper, the effective application of artificial intelligence in combating the scourge of communicable diseases is examined through a comprehensive literature review, emphasizing its role in disease surveillance, early detection, diagnosis, forecasting and decision support. The review highlights the advancements made in these areas, showcasing the potential of designing artificial intelligence based systems that can effectively and efficiently combat the spread of communicable diseases. This would likely ensure that such diseases do not turn into health disaster.</p>