AI ecosystems strengthen healthcare innovation for global impact
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND — Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping healthcare, offering groundbreaking solutions to some of the field’s most persistent challenges.
According to the latest AI for Impact report by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, developed in collaboration with EY and Microsoft, social innovators are increasingly using AI to enhance healthcare accessibility and improve outcomes.
Breakthrough AI technologies enhance healthcare access
The report reveals that over 70% of social innovators have integrated machine learning into sectors like healthcare, showcasing AI’s potential to address critical health issues.
One notable example is Dimagi, a social enterprise that has developed AI-driven tools to train community health workers in Malawi. By offering local language training through AI-powered platforms, Dimagi has improved healthcare delivery in underserved regions, demonstrating how technology can overcome barriers like language and resource limitations.
Another key player is Altibbi, the leading telehealth platform in the Arab world. Altibbi provides 24/7 access to doctors and up-to-date medical information.
Jalil Allabadi, co-founder of Altibbi, explained that this online health platform offers consultations to those who can’t reach a doctor and empowers patients to lead healthier lives. The platform is a lifeline for individuals who face challenges accessing traditional healthcare services.
Microsoft’s Entrepreneurship for Positive Impact program also plays a pivotal role in supporting healthcare innovations. The initiative provides access to cloud services and AI platforms like Microsoft Azure, empowering over 1,000 enterprises worldwide to deploy scalable healthcare solutions. These efforts illustrate how AI can be harnessed to address pressing healthcare needs globally.
Challenges in scaling AI healthcare solutions
While AI holds immense potential for social good, the report stresses that the ecosystem supporting its development remains fragmented.
Less than 1% of global corporate AI investments are directed toward impact-focused initiatives, such as healthcare innovation. Social innovators also lack access to the financial resources and technical expertise needed to scale their solutions effectively.
The report calls for stronger collaboration between technology companies, corporations, philanthropists, and intermediaries to bridge this gap.
Intermediaries play a crucial role by connecting social innovators with technology providers and offering essential training programs. These collaborations help ensure that AI is adopted responsibly and ethically while driving positive social impact.
The AI for Impact report emphasizes that scaling these innovations will require concerted efforts from both private and public sectors.
By fostering stronger ecosystems of support, AI can continue to drive transformative change in healthcare globally
