WHO Urges Regulation for Health AI Before Gaps Become Irreversible

Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, has called for the urgent establishment of regulatory frameworks for artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, warning that gaps in governance could become irreversible. Speaking in Lisbon on July 15, 2026, Kluge stated that a mere eight percent of countries within the WHO European Region currently possess dedicated health-specific AI strategies.

Kluge emphasized that proactive measures are necessary to ensure the responsible and ethical implementation of AI technologies within the health sector. He expressed gratitude to Portugal's Minister of Health, Ms Ana Paula Martins, for hosting the event and acknowledged Portugal's consistent investment in health innovation as vital for advancing this agenda.

The statement underscores a growing concern regarding the rapid advancement of AI and the potential for disparities in its application across different healthcare systems. The low percentage of countries with specific strategies suggests a fragmented approach, potentially leading to unequal access to AI-driven health benefits or risks associated with unregulated implementation.

This call for governance aligns with broader international discussions on the ethical implications of AI. The WHO's emphasis on regulation aims to foster a collaborative environment for developing standards that ensure AI's safe, effective, and equitable use in improving public health outcomes across the European region and beyond.