Artificial Intelligence in Public Health: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Path Forward

Background and aims: Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly ascended to the forefront of global health discourse, offering unprecedented opportunities to improve population health, strengthen health systems, and accelerate progress toward universal health coverage (UHC).From epidemic intelligence and predictive analytics to optimizing clinical workflows and enabling precision public health, AI-driven tools are poised to transform how countries prevent disease, deliver services, and respond to health emergencies.Yet, along with its promises, AI brings complex challenges-ethical concerns, data governance dilemmas, equity risks, and uncertainties regarding accountability and regulation.Methods: Focused literature review.Results: This review qualitatively synthesizes current applications of AI in public health, examines implementation lessons from different regions, evaluates risks and limitations, and outlines a roadmap for integrating AI into health systems in ways that are ethical, equitable, and globally applicable.Conclusion: Artificial intelligence offers transformative opportunities for global public health, but only if implemented ethically and equitably.