WHO and partners launch world's most extensive freely accessible AI health worker
The World Health Organization, with support from the Qatar Ministry of Health, today launched the AI-powered WHO Digital Health Worker, Florence version 2.0, at the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) in Qatar, offering an innovative and interactive platform to share a wide range of health topics in seven languages.
Florence can provide mental health advice, stress-relieving tips, advice on how to eat healthy, be more active, and quit smoking and e-cigarettes. She can also provide information on COVID-19 vaccines and other topics. Florence 2.0 is now available in English, followed by Arabic, French, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, and Russian.
"Digital technology is critical in assisting people all over the world to live healthier lives," said Andy Pattison, WHO's Team Lead for Digital Channels. "The AI health worker Florence is an inspiring example of how technology can be used to promote and protect people's physical and mental health." WISH hopes to collaborate with forward-thinking partners to further develop this cutting-edge technology. AI can assist in filling information gaps in many communities around the world."
"We are pleased to partner with the WHO for the development of Florence and are very excited about the opportunities this technology can offer to raise awareness of key health issues," said Dr. Yousuf Al Maslamani, Official Healthcare Spokesperson for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Ministry of Public Health.
WHO introduced the beta version of Florence 2.0 at the WISH conference to connect with scientists, public health organizations, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, and hopes to continue developing the digital health worker to assist address significant health concerns confronting the globe today.
The digital health worker is a key component of the Sport For Health partnership formed by WHO and the Qatar Ministry of Public Health to help make this year's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 a health and safety beacon.
Soul Machines, a technological business that brings avatars to life in the form of autonomously animated Digital People, is supporting the project. "Through this cooperation, we have produced an empathic, knowledgeable, and understanding personality for the first responder," says Greg Cross, CEO and Co-Founder of Soul Machines. "Our Digital People work and respond in real time, giving users a one-of-a-kind and emotionally engaging experience." We are excited to continue working on Florence in order to positively modify and transform the health-care sector."