The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently appointed the Digital Ethics Centre at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands as a WHO Collaborating Centre focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) for health governance. This strategic move comes as AI holds the promise to revolutionize healthcare, potentially saving lives and enhancing overall well-being. However, the effective utilization of AI in healthcare necessitates a collaborative effort from all stakeholders to establish strong governance frameworks, ethical standards, and evidence-based policies.
The Digital Ethics Centre at Delft University of Technology has been at the forefront of pioneering research in responsible innovation, particularly in embedding ethical considerations into the development of digital technologies. This recognition by WHO underscores the Centre’s longstanding commitment to integrating ethical values into the design and implementation of AI solutions. Over the years, the Digital Ethics Centre and WHO have worked closely together, organizing international forums, workshops, and crafting normative guidelines and training programs.
Dr. Alain Labrique, WHO’s Director of Digital Health and Innovation, highlighted the organization’s dedication to assisting Member States in navigating the ethical adoption of AI technologies in healthcare. The rapid advancements in AI present opportunities to transform health systems and enhance individual health journeys. To ensure that these advancements are deployed ethically and equitably, robust partnerships with technical and academic institutions are crucial.
The newly established Collaborating Centre on AI for health governance will play a pivotal role in WHO’s mission to promote the responsible and ethical deployment of AI in healthcare settings. By conducting research on key AI-related topics and offering expert insights for WHO’s policy formulation, the Centre aims to advance the ethical use of AI in health. Additionally, it will serve as a knowledge hub, providing education and advocacy for evidence-based research, and facilitating capacity-building initiatives through workshops at regional and country levels.
Professor Jeroen van den Hoven, Scientific Director at Delft Digital Ethics Centre, expressed enthusiasm about contributing to the global health community and furthering the responsible integration of AI in healthcare. The collaboration between the Centre and WHO is expected to enhance the implementation of AI governance principles in clinical practice, as underscored by the Responsible and Ethical AI for Healthcare Lab, a joint initiative between Delft University of Technology and its partners.
Dr. David Novillo-Ortiz, Regional Adviser and Unit Head for Data, Evidence, and Digital Health at WHO’s Regional Office for Europe, emphasized the importance of the Collaborating Centre in supporting Member States in leveraging the benefits of AI while addressing the associated challenges. This collaboration signifies a significant step towards building trust, ensuring transparency, and fostering innovation in digital health.
In conclusion, the designation of the Digital Ethics Centre at Delft University of Technology as a WHO Collaborating Centre reflects WHO’s unwavering commitment to evidence-based AI governance in healthcare, promoting responsible AI practices while upholding the highest ethical standards.
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