A recent high-level conference in Lisbon, co-hosted by WHO/Europe and the Portuguese government, has convened representatives from 37 countries to address the governance of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. This gathering highlights a significant disparity between the ambition to utilize AI in diagnostics and the actual governance frameworks in place, with only 8% of countries having a health-specific AI strategy.
The conference stems from WHO/Europe's comprehensive assessment revealing that while many countries are deploying AI technologies, there is a critical lack of coordinated governance. Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge emphasized the need for a shared direction among nations to responsibly govern AI, ensure equitable access, and build a competent health workforce. The goal is to develop a working agenda that addresses common challenges rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Discussions are structured around three main pillars: regulatory rules, necessary tools and infrastructure, and the health workforce responsible for implementation. Additionally, a dedicated session for Portuguese-speaking countries aims to foster cooperation in AI and health, underscoring the principle that no nation should navigate the complexities of AI alone.
Key themes of the conference include governance frameworks, ethical accountability, data management, and equity in AI deployment. With generative AI already influencing patient interactions, the urgency for effective regulation is paramount. WHO/Europe asserts that establishing regulatory measures is essential to prevent harm and ensure that AI serves to enhance health systems rather than exacerbate inequalities.