AI could help WHO

The 66th World Health Assembly, consisting of Ministers of Health of 194 Member States, adopted the WHO’s Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020 in May 2013.

The action plan recognizes the essential role of mental health in achieving health for all people. It is based on a life-course approach, aims to achieve equity through universal health coverage and stresses the importance of prevention.

Four major objectives are set forth: more effective leadership and governance for mental health; the provision of comprehensive, integrated mental health and social care services in community-based settings; implementation of strategies for promotion and prevention; and strengthened information systems, evidence and research.

PL – I know what you’re thinking … what does this post have to do with Artificial Intelligence? Well, if we are to avoid the risks of AI, we have to direct AI to benefit humans. In this case, benefit human mental health. And human mental growth. The fact is, there aren’t nearly enough human counselors, advisers and therapists working today to meet this challenge on their own. Hence, socialized AI, designed to learn a person, knowledgeably interact with him/her, and guide them to resources tailored to their specific needs, isn’t far-fetched. Its essential to support the work of human health care workers in clinical applications. And, its essential for non-clinical and pre-clinical applications to empower humans to help themselves. [FYI: I’ve done my part. I’ve invented protocols, subroutines, algorithms and scripts that will help “socialize” artificial intelligent agents for machine to human interaction. This IP can be licensed or sold to be used by virtually any artificial intelligence developer. Any takers? Learn more here.] 

Source: WHO
http://www.who.int/mental_health/publications/action_plan/en/