One of the most important United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is SDG Number 3- Good Health and Well-Being.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, are a set of 17 interconnected goals that were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015. The SDGs aim to address a wide range of global challenges, including poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and social injustice, by 2030. These goals provide a universal framework for countries, organizations, and individuals to work together and create a more sustainable and equitable world.
The goals are also interconnected and mutually reinforcing, recognizing that addressing one challenge often has positive effects on multiple aspects of development. The SDGs provide a shared vision for a better future and a roadmap for collective action to achieve a world that is more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable for present and future generations.
“Unequal development in different countries in the promotion of health and control of diseases, especially communicable disease, is a common danger.”
World Health Organization: Constitution of the World Health Organization
Goals set for SDG Number 3 are ripe for the incorporation of AI and can be instrumental in helping to change the tide of inadequate access to health for large populations across the globe. As elder populations grow and increases in noncommunicable diseases and comorbidities of disease skyrocket across all age groups, the incorporation of AI is an imperative to help relieve the groundswell of pressure care teams are facing in all countries and to help empower the patient to become a better steward of their health.
”The achievement of any State in the promotion and protection of health is of value to all.”
World Health Organization: Constitution of the World Health Organization
Right now in the US alone, more than 167 million people have a disease but do not know it. Because of this reality, the quality of life for large populations of people are lower due to diseases that are going undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or late-detected. What if AI became a key tool that the United Nations enforced to become a core component of how healthcare is administered and accessed–equitably.
“The extension to all peoples of the benefits of medical, psychological and related knowledge is essential to the fullest attainment of health.”
World Health Organization: Constitution of the World Health Organization
In an era where technology is reshaping every facet of our lives, artificial intelligence (AI) stands out as a game-changer in healthcare. With its potential to transform the industry, AI is not just making medical processes more efficient but also holds the promise of enhancing health equity for all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic background, ethnicity, or geographic location. As AI continues to evolve, its impact on reducing health disparities is becoming increasingly evident–here are six ways.
Understanding Health Equity
Health equity refers to the concept that every individual should have the opportunity to attain their highest level of health, irrespective of their background. Unfortunately, deep-rooted disparities in access to quality healthcare have plagued societies for years. Factors such as income inequality, race, gender, and geographical location have led to unequal health outcomes for many. AI, with its ability to process vast amounts of data and deliver personalized insights, is emerging as a powerful tool to bridge these gaps.
“Governments have a responsibility for the health of their peoples which can be fulfilled only by the provision of adequate health and social measures.”
World Health Organization: Constitution of the World Health Organization
Early Diagnosis and Preventive Care
One of the most significant contributions of AI to health equity is its potential to enable early diagnosis and preventive care. By analyzing patient data, AI algorithms can identify patterns that might indicate the risk of developing certain conditions, allowing healthcare providers to intervene before diseases progress. This approach is particularly vital for populations with limited access to regular medical check-ups, enabling them to receive timely interventions that can prevent more severe health issues down the line.
Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring
Telemedicine, powered by AI, has the potential to revolutionize healthcare access, especially in underserved areas. Remote consultations and monitoring using AI-driven platforms allow individuals to receive medical advice and follow-up care without the need to travel long distances. This is particularly beneficial for rural populations, the elderly, and those with limited mobility. By breaking down geographical barriers, AI-driven telemedicine contributes to equitable access to healthcare services.
Customized Treatment Plans
AI’s ability to process diverse data sets and extract meaningful insights is paving the way for personalized medicine. This tailoring of treatment plans to individual genetic, lifestyle, and demographic factors ensures that healthcare interventions are more effective and suitable for each patient. This is crucial in addressing health disparities, as different populations may respond differently to standard treatments due to genetic variations and cultural factors.
Enhancing Diagnostic Accuracy
Inaccurate or delayed diagnoses can exacerbate health disparities. AI-powered diagnostic tools, such as image recognition algorithms and machine learning models, significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy. These tools can help healthcare professionals identify diseases at earlier stages, which is essential for timely and effective treatment. By reducing misdiagnoses, AI contributes to fairer healthcare outcomes for all individuals.
Access to Medical Knowledge
AI is democratizing access to medical knowledge and expertise. Language models and virtual assistants can provide health information in various languages and formats, making it accessible to diverse populations. This is crucial for communities with limited access to healthcare resources or language barriers, ensuring that individuals can make informed decisions about their health.
Ethical Considerations and Challenges
While the potential benefits of AI in promoting health equity are substantial, it’s essential to address ethical concerns. Ensuring that AI algorithms are unbiased and do not perpetuate existing biases present in healthcare data is crucial. Additionally, the digital divide must be tackled to ensure that AI technologies are accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status.
“The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.”
World Health Organization: Constitution of the World Health Organization
The integration of AI into healthcare has the potential to revolutionize the field, making it more equitable and accessible for all individuals. By facilitating early diagnosis, enabling telemedicine, tailoring treatment plans, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and providing access to medical knowledge, AI can bridge the healthcare gap and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy life. However, these advancements must be pursued ethically and with a commitment to reducing biases, ultimately working toward a future where healthcare disparities are significantly reduced, if not eliminated.