Justice in Healthcare Artificial Intelligence in Africa

TL;DR

This paper discusses the ethical, legal, and social justice issues of implementing AI in healthcare in Africa, emphasizing the need for context-specific principles to ensure equitable benefits and mitigate risks.

Contribution

It offers a context-specific perspective on justice in healthcare AI in Africa, highlighting ethical considerations unique to resource-constrained settings.

Findings

AI can improve healthcare access and efficiency in Africa

Justice concerns include bias, fairness, and social inequities

Context-specific ethical principles are essential for equitable AI deployment

Abstract

There is an ongoing debate on balancing the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence (AI) as AI is becoming critical to improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Such improvements are essential in resource-constrained settings where millions lack access to adequate healthcare services, such as in Africa. AI in such a context can potentially improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and accessibility of healthcare services. Nevertheless, the development and use of AI-driven healthcare systems raise numerous ethical, legal, and socio-economic issues. Justice is a major concern in AI that has implications for amplifying social inequities. This paper discusses these implications and related justice concepts such as solidarity, Common Good, sustainability, AI bias, and fairness. For Africa to effectively benefit from AI, these principles should align with the local context while balancing the risks. Compared to mainstream ethical debates on justice, this perspective offers context-specific considerations for equitable healthcare AI development in Africa.