WHO's Global Initiative on AI for Health Releases Strategic Priorities

Joint initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), aims to establish robust governance structures and foster international collaboration to ensure that AI in health is safe, equitable, and impactful across all nations.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing healthcare delivery, diagnostics, and public health management around the world. Recognizing its transformative potential—and the urgent need for ethical and effective oversight—the United Nations launched the Global Initiative on AI for Health (GI-AI4H) in July 2023. This joint initiative, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), aims to establish robust governance structures and foster international collaboration to ensure that AI in health is safe, equitable, and impactful across all nations.

Strategic Priorities of GI-AI4H

The GI-AI4H was created to build on the foundational work of the ITU-WHO Focus Group on AI for Health (FG-AI4H), and it has identified three core strategic priorities to guide its mission:

1. Developing Governance Frameworks and Standards: A central goal of the initiative is to establish governance structures that uphold ethical principles and regulatory integrity. This includes the creation of technical standards, clinical evaluation protocols, and data quality requirements to ensure AI tools are trustworthy and beneficial. By promoting evidence-based policies, GI-AI4H helps stakeholders navigate the complexities of implementing AI in health systems—especially in environments with limited regulatory infrastructure.

2. Facilitating Knowledge and Data Sharing: To accelerate the development and responsible deployment of AI in healthcare, GI-AI4H supports collaborative research, open data access, and cross-sectoral knowledge exchange. The initiative fosters a global community of policymakers, health experts, technologists, and developers to share best practices, clinical evidence, and technological advancements. Such collaboration is crucial for avoiding duplication of effort, increasing transparency, and ensuring that AI solutions are globally inclusive.

3. Implementing Sustainable AI Models: A key focus of GI-AI4H is ensuring that AI tools are scalable and sustainable, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The initiative supports the development of context-appropriate AI solutions that can be integrated into national health systems. By addressing issues like infrastructure limitations and workforce capacity, GI-AI4H helps bridge the digital divide and ensures that AI technologies are not only effective but also equitable.

   
   

UN-Wide Governance Efforts

GI-AI4H aligns with broader United Nations efforts to establish a global governance framework for AI. A recent report by a UN advisory body called for urgent action to create inclusive global institutions capable of regulating AI in line with international law and human rights principles. Among its recommendations are the establishment of an international AI scientific panel, a coordinated platform for global AI governance dialogues, and the creation of a global AI fund to support underserved regions.

These recommendations reinforce GI-AI4H’s commitment to multilateralism, transparency, and ethical oversight. As AI continues to evolve rapidly, unified global governance is essential to mitigate risks, prevent misuse, and ensure that health innovations benefit all populations.

Looking Ahead

The GI-AI4H initiative represents a decisive step forward in the United Nations' commitment to harnessing AI for good. By fostering international cooperation and setting rigorous standards, it aims to shape a future where AI enhances human well-being, strengthens health systems, and reduces global inequities. As countries and stakeholders align with this initiative, the world edges closer to a safer, smarter, and more equitable digital health era.