HealthAI Unveils Community of Practice to Advance Responsible AI Governance

Geneva, 10 December 2024—In early December 2024, ‘HealthAI—The Global Agency for Responsible AI in Health’, officially launched its Community of Practice (CoP), a groundbreaking global forum designed to strengthen the deployment of Responsible AI governance frameworks in health. The CoP brings together a diverse group of stakeholders to move beyond discussions and into actionable solutions that can shape the future of AI in healthcare.

A Unique Intersection: Health, AI, and Regulation

The HealthAI CoP operates at the critical intersection of health, Responsible AI, and regulation. Recognizing the complexity and global relevance of AI governance in health, the CoP was created to convene a wide range of stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, researchers, civil society organizations, and private sector leaders. This diversity ensures that the collective efforts reflect a coherent and globally effective approach to advancing AI in healthcare.

From its inception, inclusivity has been a key priority. The CoP has gone to great lengths to bring participants from different regions, particularly low- and middle-income countries, to the table. This ensures that the voices of underrepresented areas are at the heart of the discussions, and their unique needs and perspectives shape the development of governance frameworks.

Global Representation and Strong Membership

The enthusiasm for this initiative has been exceptional, with over 230 applications received in just a few months. Today, the CoP boasts over 170 members, with a remarkable balance of representation: 40% from low- and middle-income countries and 60% from high-income countries.

The CoP’s membership spans an impressive range of organizations and geographies. It includes country representatives from nations as diverse as Zambia, New Zealand, Brazil, Singapore, and South Africa, as well as leading international organizations such as the WHO, UNICEF, and the World Bank. Members also represent public health agencies, universities, hospitals, regulatory bodies, and private sector leaders, including key players in the pharmaceutical and technology industries.

A key innovation within the CoP is the establishment of a Leadership Group, which includes representatives from 18 countries. This group serves as a safe space for policymakers and regulators to share their experiences, challenges, and best practices in regulating AI in health. This peer-learning approach aims to foster local capacity and build more substantial governance capabilities while promoting ethical, inclusive, and sustainable AI solutions.

This collaborative approach also benefits the private sector, offering greater clarity on regulatory requirements for market access. By fostering dialogue and knowledge-sharing, the CoP provides private sector partners with the tools they need to develop AI solutions that are not only innovative but also safe, equitable, and sustainable.

Kick-Off Session and Member Priorities

The CoP’s official launch included two virtual sessions designed to accommodate the forum’s global membership. A total of 80 members attended, reflecting a shared enthusiasm for advancing the governance of AI in health. During these sessions, HealthAI presented the planned activities for the coming months and invited members to share their initial thoughts and priorities.

Feedback from members revealed two primary motivations for joining: a desire to deepen their understanding of AI regulation in health and a strong interest in contributing actively to collaborative projects. Many participants emphasized the importance of moving from learning to action, reflecting the CoP’s commitment to producing tangible outcomes.

Action-Oriented Programming

The CoP will cater to its members' varied profiles through a mix of activities, including thematic webinars, working groups, and collaborative projects. While expository webinars will provide valuable insights into emerging trends and challenges, the working groups will focus on advancing practical knowledge and developing actionable solutions.

Recognizing the demand for practical resources, HealthAI will prioritize the development of case studies, guidelines, and opportunities for members to share their own experiences. One of the CoP’s first significant initiatives will be the creation of a knowledge portal featuring curated resources, policy analysis, and interactive tools to support the global community’s work on AI governance in health.

A Shared Vision for the Future

"It is a testament to the power of global collaboration”, said Dr. Ricardo Baptista Leite, CEO of HealthAI, about the launch of the Community of Practice. “By bringing together such a diverse and committed group of experts, we are creating a unique space to ensure AI in health serves all populations equitably and responsibly. This launch marks the beginning of a global journey, one in which diverse voices come together to build frameworks that not only govern AI but also inspire trust and innovation in health systems worldwide.

The HealthAI Community of Practice represents a significant step forward in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in health. By fostering collaboration across sectors and regions, the CoP aims to ensure that the future of AI governance in health is inclusive, effective, and grounded in ethical principles.

Open Applications

HealthAI accepts applications for membership in the CoP on a rolling basis. To apply, click HERE. 

For Media inquiries, contact:
Stéphane Dupré
Head of Communication – HealthAI  
communication@healthai.agency