The “AI for Global Health Innovation” conference, held on July 25, 2024, at the Elie Selwan Amphitheatre, Lebanese Hospital Geitaoui-UMC, brought together over 150 experts and stakeholders dedicated to advancing global health through artificial intelligence (AI).
Dr. Elie Salem Sokhn opened the event with a welcoming address, setting the stage for a day focused on how AI can revolutionize health practices worldwide. Dr. Pierre Yared, General Manager of Geitaoui Hospital, reinforced the institution’s commitment to medical research and technology. Mrs. Chaitali Sinha (she/her) from IDRC Canada highlighted the AI4PEP initiative, accentuating AI’s pivotal role in pandemic preparedness
The conference featured three key panels. The first, moderated by Dr. Souha Kanj, MD, FACP, FIDSA, FRCP, FESCMID, FECMM and Dr. Mouin Jammal, examined “Strengthening Pandemic Surveillance Through AI”
Dr. Salem-Sokhn introduced the AI4PEP/EMERGENT – Lebanon project, striving to automate lab data for better surveillance. Presentations included a scoping review of AI-based early warning systems by Dr. Christo El Morr and a machine learning model dashboard for real-time pathogen surveillance by Dr. Antoine Saab. The panel ended with an interactive Q&A session.
The second panel, moderated by Ms. Melody Saikali, MSc., CPPS and Mrs. Jihane Rahmé, explored “Public Health and Use of AI Technology.”
Highlights included Mrs. Nour El Arnaout’s case studies on AI improving outcomes for vulnerable populations, Dr. Chadi Abdallah’s discussion on integrating geoinformation with AI for early warning, and Dr. Khalil El Asmar’s presentation of an AI model for diagnosing dementia through Lebanese Arabic speech analysis.
The final roundtable, moderated by Mrs. Cynthia Abi Khalil, focused on “AI for Public Health – Policy and Ethical Implications.” Key discussions involved governance frameworks by Mrs. Clara Abou Samra, ethical considerations highlighted by Mrs. Lina Abu Mrad, and Dr. Yahia El-Lahib’s insights on supporting public health policies with AI. Dr. Christo El Morr further explored the ethical dimensions in health research.
The conference strengthened Lebanon’s leading role in AI-driven health innovations, showcasing its potential to enhance global health outcomes through cutting-edge technology.
The AI for Global Health Innovation Conference not only highlighted Lebanon’s growing influence in the AI health sector but also reinforced the country’s commitment to utilizing emerging technologies to address global health challenges. The insights and collaborations fostered at this event promise to drive forward AI-driven solutions that could significantly improve health outcomes worldwide.