Statement made at the 79th World Health Assembly on 23 May 2026
Agenda item 12.10: Harmonization of regulatory approaches, governance and standards for data, digital health and artificial intelligence in the health sector
Honourable Chair, Distinguished Delegates,
The WMA together with members of the WHPA, representing 47 million dentists, nurses, pharmacists, physicians and physiotherapists, commends WHO’s leadership in advancing global standards for interoperability and governance.
Artificial intelligence must support—not replace—the patient–health professional relationship, and as per the Executive Board's report, it must be used safely and ethically. Regulatory frameworks must ensure that licensed health professionals retain final clinical authority, with clear, harmonized standards for accountability and liability.
Equity must be built in by design, including the assessment of bias before deployment.
Digital transformation will only succeed if the health workforce is adequately educated in AI literacy and if patient confidentiality and data privacy are fully protected. Precision medicine must remain human-centred and equitable.