Description:

While artificial intelligence (AI) holds significant promise for advancing global health, it also presents critical ethical, legal, and social challenges. If not properly governed and managed, these challenges can pose substantial risks to individuals and communities. For instance, algorithmic bias can lead to inequitable public health messaging, misdiagnoses, and inappropriate treatment protocols. Additionally, much of the data required to support healthcare decision-making remains siloed, non-representative, and inaccessible, thereby hindering effective public health planning, preparedness, and response.

The growing demand for AI-driven health solutions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is not matched by corresponding investments in health system strengthening, high-quality data, skilled personnel, and essential computing infrastructure. Since 2021, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) has supported several research initiatives aimed at strengthening health systems through the development and application of contextually relevant, responsible AI solutions in LMICs. “Responsible” in this context refers to AI innovations that are ethical, inclusive, rights-respecting, equitable, and environmentally sustainable.

This workshop aims to bridge insights from IDRC's AI for global health investments with forward-looking, actionable research agendas. The goal is to explore how AI can be harnessed to sustainably strengthen health systems in LMICs.

Objectives:  

Explore practical approaches to developing and deploying responsible AI solutions within health systems in LMICs.

Identify barriers to effective AI integration in LMIC health systems and co-develop strategies to address them.

Co-create a forward-looking research and policy agenda that builds on IDRC's investments and supports the sustainable scaling of AI innovations to strengthen health systems in LMICs.