The World Health Organization (WHO) announces the debut of S.A.R.A.H., a prototype digital health advocate equipped with an enhanced empathetic interface driven by generative artificial intelligence (AI).
S.A.R.A.H., shorthand for Smart AI Resource Assistant for Health, represents a significant advancement in AI-driven health information platforms, incorporating state-of-the-art language models and innovative technology. It offers round-the-clock engagement in 8 languages across various health topics, accessible on any device.
This digital health advocate from WHO is trained to disseminate information on a wide array of health subjects, ranging from fostering healthy habits to promoting mental well-being, thereby assisting individuals in optimizing their health journey. Its objective is to furnish an additional resource for individuals to exercise their right to health, regardless of their location.
S.A.R.A.H possesses the capability to aid individuals in comprehending risk factors associated with leading causes of mortality worldwide, such as cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes. It facilitates access to current information on smoking cessation, physical activity, nutritious eating, stress reduction, and more.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, remarked, βThe future of healthcare lies in digital innovation, and enabling nations to leverage digital technologies for healthcare is a key priority for WHO." He added, "S.A.R.A.H. offers a glimpse into how artificial intelligence can revolutionize access to health information in a more interactive manner. I urge the research community to further explore how this technology can address disparities and provide people with reliable, up-to-date health information.β
Powered by generative AI, S.A.R.A.H. now delivers more precise real-time responses, engages in dynamic personalized conversations that closely resemble human interactions, and furnishes nuanced, empathetic responses in a non-judgmental environment. This technology is bolstered by Soul Machines Biological AI.
WHO advocates for ongoing research into this innovative technology to uncover its potential advantages for public health and to address potential challenges. While AI holds immense promise in fortifying public health efforts, it also poses significant ethical considerations, including equitable access, privacy, safety, accuracy, data protection, and bias.
Through continuous evaluation and refinement, WHO underscores its commitment to delivering health information to individuals while upholding the highest ethical standards and evidence-based content. Stakeholders, including developers, policymakers, and healthcare providers, must address these ethical and human rights concerns when developing and deploying AI to ensure universal benefits.
The S.A.R.A.H. initiative strives for perpetual learning and advancement of a prototype that offers reliable, responsible, and accessible information. Previously, iterations of S.A.R.A.H., known as Florence, were instrumental in disseminating critical public health messages during the COVID-19 pandemic, covering topics such as the virus, vaccines, tobacco use, healthy eating, and physical activity.
WHO continues to leverage various digital tools and channels, including social media, chatbots, channels, and text messaging, to amplify health information dissemination efforts.
