AI and data science, a path to inclusive public health

Mbithe Nzomo won a prestigious UNESCO-L'Oreal for Women in Science Award for her work involving Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop tools that could help prevent serious conditions, such as a common heart rhythm disorders and their related complications. [Courtesy]

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving tool revolutionizing many aspects of healthcare. AI has been predominantly used in medicine and healthcare administration, its widespread adoption in public health began only began recently, with the advent of Covid-19. AI has supported public health delivery through disease modeling, risk prediction, misinformation control, surveillance, disease forecasting and pandemic/epidemic management.

The gender gap in AI is a major issue. Globally, only 22% of AI professionals are women, a disparity with serious implications, particularly in public health, where AI is increasingly being used to drive decisions. When data is shaped predominantly by men, the resulting algorithms can be unintentionally biased, leading to policies and systems that overlook women needs, including in public health.