The co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates said people across the world, especially Nigerians should be excited about Artificial Intelligence in the area of health innovations and interventions.

Gates had a chat with selected journalists during a forum themed: “Advancing Africa: Unleashing the Power of Youth in Science and Innovation” at Marriott Hotel, Ikeja when he visited Nigeria.

He also interacted with Nigerian innovators and encouraged them to see opportunities in challenges.

The American business mogul said there was no need for people to be wary of AI. However, they should be happy as it could help speed up drug discoveries in major endemic diseases.

Earlier, he also had a robust, engaging conversation with young science and innovation champions in Africa hosted by the Co-creation Hub and the University of Lagos Business School in Ikeja, Lagos State.

Gates also noted that AI-driven improvements will benefit poor countries, where the vast majority of under-5 deaths are recorded.

Gate described AI as the most important advancement in technology that he had witnessed since the 80s and urged governments and philanthropists to create incentives for companies to share AI-generated insights into agriculture and pharmaceuticals.

Gates revealed that one of the foundation’s key areas in AI is to ensure it is used to tackle pressing health challenges that affect the poorest in low-income countries globally.

On malaria eradication and control, he said resources will be applied to impact areas in terms of innovations and tools.

He gave an assurance that areas like nutrition, polio control, and eradication would remain focal points.

He, however, said such investments should be reflected in these intervention points, especially in the area of nutrition.

Speaking on vaccine production in Africa, the business mogul said such a venture is not one to be embarked on by small companies because of the trials involved, which are capital-intensive.

“It is a global thing guided by regulations, is complicated, and can be very expensive,” Gates added.

“In the area of malaria and measles control. We see results and feel good that the money is being well spent,” he said.

The Microsoft co-founder stressed the need to bridge inequity in health, education, and financial services. He also expressed belief in the power of science and innovation to help people lead long, healthy lives.

“To do that, the people creating breakthroughs, funding them, and getting them into the world all need to prioritize equity. They are going to prevent infectious diseases, provide life-saving interventions for mothers and babies; make food more nutritious, and give women more convenient contraception options. Down the road, AI will be applied to bring quality healthcare and education to more people.”

Gates expressed optimism at the AI’s potential to save and improve lives but said it can only happen if the motive is not profit-driven.

He said, “So, our foundation is thinking about what we can do to help AI develop in ways that improve the lives and well-being of everyone, not just the wealthiest people in a few rich countries.

“We hope what emerges will help build an evidence base for advancing equitable outcomes in health and development everywhere in the world”, he noted.

Source: Punch Healthwise