The World Health Organization's South-East Asia Regional Office (WHO SEARO) has partnered with The George Institute for Global Health to enhance the integration of digital health and AI in addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the region.
This two-year collaboration, running from April 2026 to March 2028, aims to bolster primary healthcare systems by designing and implementing evidence-based digital health interventions. The initiative will focus on improving access to healthcare and health outcomes for populations affected by NCDs.
A significant aspect of this partnership involves advancing implementation science related to digital health programs for NCD prevention and treatment. The collaboration will generate real-world evidence to assess the effectiveness, feasibility, and scalability of digital health solutions, while also addressing cost-effectiveness and equity impacts.
The project will develop frameworks and guidance documents to support AI-driven healthcare initiatives in line with WHO's digital health strategy. Additionally, it will offer workshops and collaborative learning opportunities for stakeholders in digital health, fostering stronger engagement with health ministries and international partners to integrate these innovations into national health programs.
This partnership not only emphasizes research and capacity building but also aims to establish technical guidance for the ethical deployment of AI in low- and middle-income countries. Furthermore, it will facilitate discussions on ethical AI governance, data privacy, and interoperability standards, crucial for responsible health technology integration.