Ghana Launches Artificial Intelligence-Driven Health Programme to Strengthen Systems and Safeguard Communities

Source Domain: www.afro.who.int

Ghana has taken a significant step towards transforming its health system with the launch of a joint programme by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), funded by the Government of Japan through the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS). The initiative will harness artificial intelligence (AI) to improve health outcomes, strengthen system resilience, and protect vulnerable populations.

The programme, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health Ghana, comes at a critical moment as countries increasingly turn to digital innovation to address complex health challenges, including climate-sensitive diseases and inequities in access to care. It seeks to advance Ghana’s digital health transformation by embedding AI into health systems in a way that is ethical, inclusive, and people-centred.

Speaking at the launch, hosted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the WHO Representative to Ghana underscored the importance of building a strong and secure digital health ecosystem,
“This Joint UNDP–WHO programme will strengthen Ghana’s digital health ecosystem, advancing AI governance, safeguarding health data, and empowering a workforce ready to deliver people-centred care”.

The initiative focuses on strengthening institutional and human capacity for AI governance, ensuring robust data privacy and security, and expanding digital literacy among healthcare workers and communities. It also aims to deploy AI-enabled early warning systems for climate-sensitive diseases, integrated into national platforms such as DHIS2, while fostering responsible private-sector engagement.

Highlighting the broader development impact, Niloy Bernejee, UNDP Resident Representative noted that digital innovation is central to resilience and sustainable development. “Strengthening health systems and advancing responsible digital innovation can reinforce stability, build resilience, and drive sustainable…

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