AI4D-FCDO innovation: Scaling and sustaining artificial intelligence solutions to improve sexual, reproductive and maternal health in LAC

 

Across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), advances towards quality and comprehensive sexual, reproductive and maternal health services have been mixed. Women and girls who are socially and economically disadvantaged experience severe and sustained challenges when trying to access quality and respectful care. Data science and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions are increasingly being used to address the multiple barriers (geographic, financial, cultural and linguistic, among others) faced by these groups. The design and use of these solutions present opportunities, risks and uncertainties.

In 2022, IDRC’s AI for Global Health Initiative funded the selection and support of responsible AI solutions across the region that responded to unmet sexual, reproductive and maternal health needs. This new project builds on the cohort of selected grantees to enhance the reach, scale and impact of their innovations. It will foster innovative research, strengthen interdisciplinary capacities and knowledge translation among the grantees, develop scenarios to promote, regulate and scale projects, and promote, disseminate and position knowledge products for key policy discussions. Close connections with policymakers, research institutions and local communities across the region will ensure policy relevance, research excellence and local impact.

This project is a part of the Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D) program, a five-year partnership between IDRC and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to support policy, innovations and expanded leadership to spur safe and responsible AI development and use in Africa and beyond. The vision of the new partnership is to support an inclusive, responsible AI ecosystem that improves quality of life for all.