The Gates Foundation and its partners recently announced a massive $60 million investment. The Novo Nordisk Foundation and Wellcome also support this joint effort. Together, they launched the Evidence for AI in Health (EVAH) initiative that targets low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It supports locally led evaluations of advanced AI health tools.
Policymakers in these regions often lack clear evidence on digital performance. This initiative aims to bridge that critical information gap. It will help governments determine which tools truly add value. Furthermore, it ensures that health systems use AI responsibly. This is a vital step toward achieving global health equity.
Addressing the Evidence Gap in Real-World Settings
The official announcement occurred during the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. EVAH addresses a critical gap in health evidence for LMICs. Many AI tools remain in the early development phase. However, this initiative focuses on tools that have moved beyond that stage. It provides insights needed for large-scale adoption and national scale-up.
Policymakers and developers will benefit from these rigorous studies. They can make informed decisions based on real-world data. Currently, many digital interventions lack local validation. This initiative changes that by focusing on local settings. Consequently, the research remains relevant to the communities it serves.
A Strategic Partnership for Research and Development
EVAH marks the second major investment of a larger global partnership. In 2024, these three foundations launched a $300 million R&D project. This partnership focuses on solving the world’s most pressing health challenges. They aim to accelerate development through innovation and shared research.
The foundations believe that everyone should benefit from AI advances. Digitization has the potential to improve lives across the globe. However, this success requires a foundation of strong evidence. Therefore, rigorous learning is at the heart of the EVAH model. It supports decision-makers in meeting complex community needs.
Focusing on Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia
The initiative targets several key regions for its first phase. These include sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. These areas often face significant healthcare infrastructure challenges. Dr. Bosun Tijani highlighted the power of AI in Africa. He serves as Nigeria’s minister of communications and innovation.
He noted that success must bring tangible improvements to people. High-quality studies will inform effective policymaking across the continent. This will ultimately create healthier communities and drive economic growth. The focus remains on sustainable development through local empowerment.
Supporting Frontline Workers Through AI
The first request for proposals (RFP) is now officially open. It funds evaluations of AI-enabled decision support tools. These tools assist frontline workers with difficult clinical tasks. Specifically, they help with triage, diagnosis, and patient referral. They are designed for primary and community healthcare settings.
Frontline workers often handle large patient volumes with limited resources. AI can provide critical support during busy clinical hours. By streamlining triage, these tools save precious time. They help workers identify high-risk patients more quickly. This leads to better outcomes and faster life-saving treatments.
Collaborative Implementation and Review
The initiative works through several key implementation partners. These include the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL). The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) also plays a role. These organizations will coordinate the application and review process. They provide technical input on study design and evidence.
They also work closely with local research teams co-leading the work. This ensures that the research remains culturally and socially relevant. Local leadership is essential for the long-term success of health tools. It builds trust within the communities receiving the care. This collaborative model fosters local expertise in high-tech research.
AI and the Sustainable Development Goals
The EVAH initiative aligns with broader international development goals. The 2026 ESCAP report reveals a sobering reality for Asia. The region is set to miss 103 out of 117 SDG targets. Health and well-being (SDG 3) face significant setbacks. AI could help recover some of this lost ground.
By improving diagnosis, AI supports better maternal and child health. It also helps manage infectious diseases in remote areas. Improved data collection through AI supports peace and justice (SDG 16). Stronger institutions need better evidence to reach vulnerable people. This investment is a vital step toward regional resilience.
Bridging the Global Digital Divide
A massive digital divide currently impacts global creative and health economies. UNESCO reports that only 28% of people in LMICs have digital skills. This compares to 67% in wealthier, developed countries. The EVAH initiative helps address this imbalance in the health sector. It builds technical capacity through locally led research projects.
Bridging this divide is essential for global economic equity. We must ensure that technology does not leave anyone behind. Health tools must be accessible to those with limited digital literacy. The EVAH research will examine these issues of accessibility. This ensures that AI benefits the many, not just the few.
Conclusion: A Smarter Path to Global Health
The $60 million investment in EVAH is a landmark event. It prioritizes evidence over hype in the AI health space. By focusing on LMICs, it promotes true global equity. Locally led evaluations ensure that the science fits the setting. This is the smartest path to a healthier world.
We must bridge the gap between planning and real-world resilience. This initiative provides the tools to do exactly that. The foundations are building a future that is more just. Let us use AI to create healthier and stronger communities. The EVAH initiative is just the beginning of this journey.
Important Questions and Answers
What is the primary goal of the EVAH initiative?
It supports locally led evaluations of AI health tools in LMICs. The goal is to determine efficacy and responsible usage.
Which organizations are providing the $60 million investment?
The Gates Foundation, Novo Nordisk Foundation, and Wellcome are the primary investors.
What specific health tasks will the AI tools evaluate?
The focus is on decision support for triage, diagnosis, and patient referral.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where was the EVAH initiative announced?
A: It was announced at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.
Q: Which regions will receive the first round of funding?
A: Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia are the primary targets.
Q: Who are the implementation partners for EVAH?
A: The partners include J-PAL and the African Population and Health Research Center.
Q: Is the request for proposals (RFP) open now?
A: Yes, the first RFP for frontline worker support is currently open.
Q: How does this link to the $300 million partnership?
A: It is the second investment from that global health R&D fund.
