Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Health

WHO / Danielle Alakija

"AI is already playing a role in diagnosis and clinical care, drug development, disease surveillance, outbreak response, and health systems management … The future of healthcare is digital, and we must do what we can to promote universal access to these innovations and prevent them from becoming another driver for inequity.

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Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

WHO Director-General

Our Vision

WHO's vision is to foster digital frontiers and nurture an AI ecosystem for safety, equity, and the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to a healthier world.

At WHO, we are working towards a future where AI enhances health, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Within the realm of AI for Health, WHO’s strategic approach centers around Three Pillars:

We strive to establish robust governance structures, policies, and normative technical guidance, policies, and standards, that guide the evidence-based adoption of AI for health, ensuring trust and ethical practices.

Through collaborative efforts and pooled investments, we aim to create a global community of experts and resources that foster knowledge sharing and collective action, accelerating the impact of AI in healthcare.

We are committed to developing and promoting sustainable models for the implementation of AI programs at the country level, making AI solutions accessible and impactful across diverse healthcare systems.

Leading the future of global health with responsible artificial intelligence

For over two decades, WHO has pioneered the evaluation and adoption of digital health technologies, which includes benchmarking Artificial Intelligence...

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Supporting countries to deploy responsible AI technologies to accelerate equitable health for all

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Dr Magdalena Skipper, Moderator of the WHA77 Roundtable on artificial intelligence and health

28 June 2024

WHA77: Artificial intelligence for health: opportunities, risks, and governance

WHO Director-General's remarks at the AI for Good Summit

LIVE from #WHA76 on Artificial Intelligence and Health

WHO’s Approach on Artificial Intelligence for Health

Prioritizing AI for health is crucial, given its potential to enhance healthcare and address global health challenges, including the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. The urgency is exacerbated by a significant pacing gap, with technology outpacing legal frameworks. WHO is actively guiding Member States, developing ethical standards, and convening expert groups to address these challenges, promoting responsible AI development, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to mitigate risks and safeguard public health and trust.

WHO envisions a future where AI serves as a powerful force for innovation, equity, and ethical integrity in healthcare. The overall goal is to help Member States take AI to the people to enable enhanced, sustainable, and smarter health care.

Bridging Gaps

To harness a culture of innovation and ethics in healthcare, WHO partnered with UN specialized agencies to establish the Global Initiative on Artificial Intelligence for Health, a collaborative effort that is shaping the future of healthcare through AI.