Decoding Global Health Policies: Impact of Pandemics & AI
TL/DR –
The Global Health Matters podcast recently discussed the rapid changes in global health policies due to pandemics, conflicts, and technology. Dr. Ricardo Baptista Leite, CEO of Health AI, discussed the need for a new global regulatory framework and surveillance mechanisms to mitigate risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) and promote investment and innovation. To prevent “algorithmic colonization” and potential social unrest, he also advocated for an early warning system akin to that for pandemics, but for AI, to quickly detect and address adverse impacts worldwide.
Global Health Podcast Examines Impact of Pandemics and AI
On the recent episodes of the Global Health Matters podcast, host Dr Garry Aslanyan evaluates the evolving landscape shaping global health. Rapid changes are occurring due to pandemics, regional conflicts and technology, says Aslanyan.
Guest Dr Ricardo Baptista Leite, CEO of Health AI, echoes this sentiment. Health AI aims to create a global regulatory framework to mitigate risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) while promoting investment and innovation in the healthcare sector.
However, Baptista Leite identifies systemic issues in health care. He suggests that the current model promotes disease instead of health, leading to increased costs and burnout amongst health care workers.
Insights into Global Cooperation and Surveillance
The podcast also discusses lessons from the pandemic, critical skills for global health professionals, and the influence of Global South actors. Baptista Leite emphasizes the necessity of global cooperation in pandemic prevention and underscores the importance of surveillance mechanisms to support organizations like the WHO.
Moreover, Baptista Leite advocates for an early warning system for AI. He suggests that Health AI could certify regulatory bodies to validate AI tools and monitor their impact.
Baptista Leite warns of a new form of colonisation, where Global North organizations deploy AI technologies in low and middle-income countries and extract data without oversight. He believes that this could lead to social unrest and advocates for a balanced relationship between humans and machines to improve health outcomes.
Geopolitical Literacy in Health
Yodi Alakija, co-chair of the African Union’s African Vaccine Delivery Alliance, and Aslanyan, discuss the geopolitics of health. They emphasize the need for investment in alliances, unity in global health, and power rebalancing efforts.
Alakija insists that health professionals should have a basic understanding of geopolitics. She believes that this understanding is crucial for effective advocacy and implementation of health interventions.
For more discussions on health policy, you can listen to previous episodes of Dialogues on Health Policy Watch.
—
Read More Health & Wellness News ; US News