WHO Issues Guidance on Healthcare AI Ethics

The World Health Organization (WHO) released guidance on the ethics and governance of large multi-modal models (LMMs), a type of rapidly growing generative AI technology with applications in healthcare. This guidance, issued on January 18, 2024, aims to manage the risks associated with AI in healthcare. It includes over 40 recommendations for governments, technology companies, and healthcare providers. The guidance addresses the potential for AI to improve healthcare but also highlights risks such as producing false or biased information, cybersecurity threats, and accessibility issues. WHO emphasizes the need for involving various stakeholders, including governments, technology companies, healthcare providers, patients, and civil society, in all stages of AI model development and implementation. The organization underscores the significance of these guidelines in improving healthcare and overcoming health inequities, while also acknowledging the challenges and potential for harm due to misuse or misinterpretation of AI technology in healthcare. The way forward includes adhering to these guidelines and continuously monitoring and improving the ethical use of AI in healthcare.