Bill Gates made a forceful point by highlighting the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, particularly in reaching underserved populations. In an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18, the chairman of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation emphasised the need to ensure that advancements in AI are not just accessible to affluent communities but also directed towards those most in need.
Gates said, “It's applied to in the rich world, for those who are well off, and what we'd like to do this time with AI is make sure, both in terms of discovering new interventions for nutrition, vaccines or drugs, and helping give people health advice, you know, in voice and their native language, that we actually bring these AI advances to those most in need.”
This vision aligns with the mission of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has long focused on reducing health disparities globally. Gates highlighted the importance of using AI to discover new interventions for nutrition and health, as well as providing personalised health advice in local languages.
The potential applications of AI in healthcare are vast, from enhancing nutrition and vaccine delivery to improving access to health information. Gates’ emphasis on delivering health advice in native languages reflects a commitment to cultural sensitivity and effective communication, ensuring that individuals can fully understand and utilise the information provided.
As the world faces ongoing health challenges exacerbated by climate change and pandemics, Gates’ call to action highlights the urgency of integrating AI into global health strategies.
Also read: Gates Foundation report highlights urgent need to tackle malnutrition
