Forum on harnessing Artificial Intelligence for health equity

March 19, 2026 - 17:23

A major international forum is set to convene later this month, focusing on the critical challenge of ensuring artificial intelligence (AI) improves, rather than exacerbates, health disparities. The event will bring together senior officials, policymakers, and experts from across Asia and the Pacific to strategize on the responsible deployment of AI in healthcare systems.

Over the past decade, AI has become a transformative force in healthcare, enabling advancements from accelerated disease diagnosis to strengthened public health surveillance. While its potential to empower individuals and improve system performance is substantial, significant concerns persist. Issues such as algorithmic bias, data privacy risks, and the erosion of professional skills pose serious questions about who ultimately benefits from these innovations. Many nations, particularly those with limited resources, have approached AI adoption with caution due to these risks and additional barriers like inadequate digital infrastructure.

The two-day forum aims to address these challenges directly. Key objectives include identifying high-impact, evidence-based AI applications suitable for resource-constrained settings and validating policy guidance for countries to self-assess their readiness for AI adoption. Participants will also work to endorse actionable recommendations on governance, regulation, and sustainable financing needed to scale AI solutions equitably.

Discussions will span crucial themes such as establishing necessary implementation ecosystems, preparing the health workforce for human-AI collaboration, and navigating the political economy of AI to ensure it serves the goal of health equity. The forum will be held in a hybrid format, with public livestreaming available for the sessions.