The Lancet: Artificial intelligence in global health: a brave new world
Editorial Board

“Despite decades of progress in global health, many low- and middle-income countries are not reaching their health Sustainable Development Goals, creating a sense of urgency to prioritize health in resource-strained environments. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly attractive to the health care industry. The accompanying enthusiasm remains awkwardly placed somewhere between aspiration and reality. … The [Artificial Intelligence in Global Health] report sets the framework for a proactive and strategic approach to accelerate the development of cost-effective use of AI in global health by investing in case-specific, systematic, and technology-related key areas. This report outlines an aspirational yet pragmatic framework for better coordination for AI investment between donors, governments, and the private sector, while harnessing a futuristic vision — the digitization of global health. Because the cost-effectiveness of these AI solutions has yet to be validated, the call for investments feels somewhat premature. Traditionally, the global health community is a late adopter of new technologies. Hence, it is imperative that they have an integral and active role in the dialogue early on. As this report rightfully stipulates, technology will get there, but will the world follow?” (4/13).