Global Health Faces $200 Billion Shortfall; AI Emerges as Lifeline Amid US Pullback

• The global health system faces a $200 billion funding gap, exacerbated by the US withdrawal from multilateral health organizations, impacting resilience and capacity building.
• World Bank estimates this shortfall is needed to build basic, resilient healthcare systems capable of responding to climate change and future pandemics.
• Despite global healthcare spending reaching $10-12 trillion annually (10% of world GDP), 20-25% is wasted due to misdiagnosis, overuse, and administrative inefficiencies.
• AI and digital tools are seen as crucial for improving efficiency, controlling costs, and reducing wastage, potentially saving up to $2.5 trillion annually.
• AI can also help address the projected 11 million healthcare worker shortage by 2030 through improved diagnostics, administrative support, and virtual healthcare models like virtual hospitals.

Why It Matters: Global health faces a massive funding gap, but AI and digital health offer a critical solution to improve efficiency and reduce waste.