Unlocking Global Health Solutions: How Proper Use of AI Can Bridge Gaps, Experts Warn – Health Policy Watch

Artificial intelligence has the potential to significantly improve global health. But it needs to be developed and used fairly. This was the key takeaway from [the latest episode](https://www.buzzsprout.com/1632040/episodes/17210520-ai-for-equity-bridging-global-health-gaps) of the Global Health Matters podcast. In this conversation, two experts shared their insights on AI’s role in healthcare.

Alexandre Chiavegatto Filho, a professor at the University of São Paulo, dreams of a future where doctors in remote areas can consult top specialists anywhere in the world. “A physician will have the best cardiologist or pneumologist at their fingertips, ready to help with any questions,” he said. His team is creating mobile apps for frontline doctors, ensuring they can access AI tools even in places without electronic medical records.

Jiho Cha, a South Korean parliamentarian and physician, echoes this vision. He sees AI enhancing healthcare in regions with limited resources. Cha emphasizes that AI, combined with technologies like fintech or blockchain, can improve how health services are financed and delivered. He believes these tools can boost the ability of nurses and community health workers in diagnostics and decision-making.

However, both experts raised a warning. If not handled properly, AI could widen existing health disparities. “If you leave AI by itself, it’s probably going to increase inequality,” Filho noted. Algorithms trained mostly on wealthier populations often perform poorly for low-income groups. To make AI work for everyone, it needs to be trained on diverse, locally-relevant data and made accessible where it’s needed most. Otherwise, the digital divide will only grow. Filho summed it up, “We have a huge opportunity in our hands. But we need to ensure AI works where it’s needed the most.”

Recent surveys highlight growing concerns about health equity. According to a [2023 report by the World Health Organization](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/equity-in-health), 1 in 4 people globally still lack access to essential health services. This gap emphasizes the urgency of equitable AI development.

As discussions about AI in healthcare progress, public reactions are becoming evident on social media. Platforms are buzzing with both excitement and skepticism. Users express hope for improved access to medical expertise while also voicing concerns about privacy and data bias.

In conclusion, while AI holds great promise for transforming healthcare, its implementation must ensure fairness and accessibility. By prioritizing equity, we can harness technology to improve health outcomes for all.

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