The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced S.A.R.A.H., a digital health promoter prototype powered by generative artificial intelligence (AI), ahead of World Health Day.
Features of S.A.R.A.H.
S.A.R.A.H. (Smart AI Resource Assistant for Health) is designed to engage users in 8 languages on various health topics, providing 24-hour assistance on any device. It offers empathetic responses and personalized conversations, covering areas such as healthy habits, mental health, and disease prevention.
WHO’s Perspective
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasizes the importance of digital technologies in improving access to health information. He sees S.A.R.A.H. as a step towards leveraging AI for health information dissemination, urging further research in this area.
Technology and Ethics
S.A.R.A.H. utilizes generative AI for real-time, accurate responses, facilitated by Soul Machines Biological AI. However, WHO acknowledges ethical concerns surrounding AI, including equity, privacy, safety, accuracy, data protection, and bias. Continuous evaluation and refinement are crucial to maintaining ethical standards.
Continuous Learning and Development
WHO aims for continuous improvement of the S.A.R.A.H. prototype to ensure reliability, responsibility, and accessibility of health information. Previous iterations of S.A.R.A.H., under the name Florence, were instrumental in disseminating critical health messages during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What does S.A.R.A.H. stand for?
- A) Smart AI Response Assistant for Health
- B) Smart AI Resource Assistant for Health
- C) Systematic AI Resource Access Hub
- D) Smart Automated Resource for Assisted Healthcare
- Answer: B) Smart AI Resource Assistant for Health
- How many languages can S.A.R.A.H. engage users in?
- A) 6
- B) 8
- C) 10
- D) 12
- Answer: B) 8
- Who emphasized the importance of digital technologies in improving access to health information?
- A) WHO Director-General
- B) UN Secretary-General
- C) U.S. President
- D) European Union President
- Answer: A) WHO Director-General
- What technology powers S.A.R.A.H.’s real-time responses?
- A) Pre-set algorithm
- B) Generative AI
- C) Neural network
- D) Machine learning
- Answer: B) Generative AI
- What were previous iterations of S.A.R.A.H. used for during the COVID-19 pandemic?
- A) Spreading misinformation
- B) Disseminating critical health messages
- C) Promoting unhealthy habits
- D) None of the above
- Answer: B) Disseminating critical health messages