AI improving dsease detection and patient care, UN says

The United Nations has highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in transforming healthcare, saying the technology is already improving disease detection, expanding access to medical services and supporting humanitarian efforts around the world.

In a new report released ahead of international discussions on AI governance, the UN said artificial intelligence is proving to be a valuable tool in tackling some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.

According to the report, AI is helping medical professionals identify diseases such as breast cancer at earlier stages, allowing patients to begin treatment sooner and improving their chances of survival. It is also assisting researchers in accelerating medical discoveries and enhancing clinical decision making.

The organisation noted that AI-powered applications are making healthcare more accessible in many developing countries by providing medical information and diagnostic support in local languages. This is helping to improve the quality of care in communities with limited access to healthcare professionals.

Beyond medicine, the report said AI is being deployed to strengthen education, improve accessibility for persons with disabilities and provide mental health support. It is also being used to analyse large volumes of data to predict food shortages and support faster humanitarian responses to emerging crises.

Despite these gains, the UN cautioned that the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence presents significant risks if left unchecked. It warned that weak governance could lead to privacy violations, discrimination, misinformation and wider social inequalities.

The report therefore calls for closer international cooperation to establish common standards for the safe, transparent and ethical development of AI. It urges governments, technology companies, researchers and civil society groups to work together to ensure the technology serves the public interest.

The UN said responsible governance would enable countries to maximise the benefits of artificial intelligence while reducing the risks associated with its growing use across different sectors.