WHO addresses AI opportunities and risks in global health

The World Health Organization (WHO) convened a strategic roundtable on May 30, 2024, in Geneva to address the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in global health. The discussion focused on harnessing AI for improved diagnostics, drug development, and patient care, while emphasizing the need for robust governance, equity, and protection of human rights and privacy.

AI holds the potential to significantly transform healthcare by offering advanced tools for disease surveillance, drug discovery, administration, diagnosis, treatment, and patient management. It could enhance service accessibility, alleviate workforce shortages, and reduce healthcare system costs. However, the success of AI implementation is contingent upon effective governance, equitable access, data management, and clear regulatory frameworks, participants noted.

The roundtable aimed to initiate discussions on a potential renewed Global Strategy on Digital Health and AI for 2026-2030. It also sought to identify priority areas for guidance, technical support, and consensus-building among stakeholders. Speakers represented academia, ministries of health and ICT, regulatory bodies, and the private sector.

The session reviewed the current state of AI in health and addressed key issues including public-private partnerships, national and regional regulatory oversight, and the investment case for AI in strengthening health systems. Notable speakers included WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Google Chief Health Officer Karen DeSalvo.