Rethinking global digital health and AI-for-health innovation Challenges

Abstract

Digital health technologies can help tackle challenges in global public health. Digital and AIfor-Health Challenges, controlled events whose goal is to generate solutions to a given problem in a defined period of time, are one way of catalyzing innovation. This article proposes an expanded investment framework for Global Health AI and digital health Innovation that goes beyond traditional factors such as return on investment. Instead, we propose non-monetary and non-GDP metrics, such as Disability Adjusted Life Years or achievement of universal health coverage. Furthermore, we suggest a venture building approach around global health, which includes filtering of participants to reduce opportunity cost, close integration of implementation scientists and an incubator for the long-term development of ideas resulting from the challenge. Finally, we emphasize the need to strengthen human capital across a range of areas in local innovation, implementation-science, and in health services. Conclusions and future direction: The global health outlook has been severely tested by the COVID-19 pandemic. The risk to public health of being inadequately prepared for future health crises is high. Adoption of new innovations in care is ever more urgent, yet the current model of digital health and AI-for-Health innovation is not optimized to address global public health priorities. With complex issues that affect many parties, productively working alone in a vacuum is not possible; decision-makers such as governments and healthcare businesses need to find ways to work together to develop trust and co-create value