A new civil society led alliance launched today (Wednesday 19 June) is calling for the safeguarding of people and their fundamental rights in the use of new and algorithmic technologies in the health sector. The Digital Rights and Health Alliance was formed to ensure policies governing the use of these technologies prioritise transparency, accountability, and fairness and that the interests of patients are at the forefront of decision-making.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) used for health-related purposes, such as for diagnosis, treatment, monitoring of disease, and the routing and prioritisation of care, holds major risks for fundamental rights violations. Among these are issues of privacy, data protection and discrimination, with key populations at particular risk of inequities related to age, gender, disability, sexual orientation and race.
The Alliance is a platform for collaboration and exchange of ideas in a fast moving environment, and includes members from non-profit organisations, academics and experts in the field of AI and digitalisation in the health sector.
“I am thrilled about the appetite to join forces as we develop constructive approaches to protect the rights of all people when digital technologies are used in healthcare. Work needs to be done to ensure they are trustworthy, strengthen healthcare, and leave no one behind.”
Janneke van Oirschot, AI and Health project coordinator, Health Action International.
Organisations and individuals who wish to join the Digital Rights and Health Alliance can find more information on its dedicated webpage, including inclusion criteria and how to apply.
HAI’s work on AI and Health
AI is increasingly used across many different applications, including in the healthcare sector. Although these new technologies may streamline processes and have positive impacts, there are serious concerns that underlying biases in data used in machine learning are reinforced or even amplified. When it comes to access to medicines, this could have far-reaching consequences for our world’s already marginalised communities.
Health Action International is working to strengthen the existing medicines policy expertise by recognising, understanding, and reflecting on the impact of AI in healthcare in our research, advocacy, and communications activities.