The World Health Organization (WHO) is taking a leap into the world of artificial intelligence by launching SARAH, a human-like avatar that offers basic health information. SARAH stands for Smart AI Resource Assistant for Health and is a virtual health worker that can communicate in eight languages and provide guidance on various health topics including mental health, tobacco use, and healthy eating. The goal behind this initiative is to use technology to educate people and address the global shortage of healthcare workers.
Although SARAH is programmed to respond empathetically to users’ facial expressions, it sometimes struggles with accuracy in its responses. Nonetheless, the WHO believes that utilizing AI like SARAH is an important step forward in leveraging technology to support health education efforts and bridge the gap in available healthcare personnel. SARAH is designed to be accessible 24/7, making it a convenient resource for individuals seeking information and guidance on a variety of health-related issues.
By innovating with AI technology in healthcare, the WHO aims to improve health literacy and promote well-being on a global scale. With its ability to communicate in multiple languages and offer guidance on various health topics, SARAH has the potential to be an effective tool in promoting health education and addressing some of the most pressing healthcare challenges facing the world today.
