The Gates Foundation and OpenAI have launched a $50 million partnership aimed at helping African countries use artificial intelligence to strengthen health care systems, starting with Rwanda.
The initiative, called Horizon1000, will work with African governments and health leaders to identify how artificial intelligence can be applied effectively in public health, particularly in countries facing shortages of medical workers and limited health infrastructure.
“In poorer countries with enormous health worker shortages and lack of health systems infrastructure, AI can be a game changer in expanding access to quality care,” said Bill Gates in a blog post announcing the program. Gates has frequently described artificial intelligence as one of the most transformative technologies ever developed.
The Gates Foundation has previously supported several artificial intelligence initiatives in health and development, while Rwanda established an AI-focused health hub in Kigali last year.
Horizon1000 aims to reach 1,000 primary health clinics and surrounding communities across multiple African countries by 2028, according to Gates.
The launch comes as many lower-income countries face significant reductions in international aid funding. Gates said in December that such cuts have contributed to the first increase in preventable child deaths globally in more than a century.
Artificial intelligence could play a critical role in addressing workforce gaps, Gates said, citing estimates that sub-Saharan Africa faces a shortage of approximately six million health care professionals.
For more news and reports on emerging technologies, including AI, robotics, cybersecurity, blockchain, gaming and the evolving gig economy, visit the home page of The Gignomist.