AI Could Be the Key to Closing Global Health Gaps—If Used Right, Experts Say
Artificial intelligence can transform global health—but only if developed and deployed with equity in mind.
That was the message from two global health experts featured on the latest Global Health Matters podcast episode, “AI for Equity: Bridging Global Health Gaps.”
“In the future, a physician working in a remote area will have the best cardiologist in the world, the best pneumologist in the world, right next to them—ready to answer any questions,” said Alexandre Chiavegatto Filho, professor of machine learning in health at the University of São Paulo.
His team is developing mobile apps that allow frontline doctors to access AI tools through smartphones, even in areas without electronic medical records.
Jiho Cha, a South Korean parliamentarian and physician, has a similar vision. He believes AI can scale up health services in fragile settings, where doctors are scarce and health systems are overwhelmed.
“AI-powered information systems combined with fintech or blockchain technologies can improve health financing and delivery,” Cha said.
He described how AI can support nurses and community health workers by enhancing diagnostic and decision-making abilities.
However, both experts warned that the same technology could widen gaps if not handled carefully.
“If you leave AI by itself, it’s probably going to increase inequality,” Filho cautioned, noting that algorithms trained on wealthier populations tend to perform worse for low-income groups.
They said the challenge is to ensure AI is trained on diverse, locally relevant data and made accessible in low-resource settings. Otherwise, the digital divide will deepen.
“We have a huge opportunity in our hands,” Filho said. “But we need to make sure AI works where it’s needed most.”
Image Credits: Global Health Matters Podcast.
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