AI4PEP: strengthening public health systems through the responsible application of artificial intelligence — lessons from the Dominican Republic

Comprehensive Summary

This article describes how the Dominican Republic, as part of the AI4PEP (Artificial Intelligence for Pandemic & Epidemic Preparedness and Response) network, is implementing artificial intelligence tools in its public health systems. It details early steps in building local capacity, deploying predictive surveillance tools, and establishing ethical governance frameworks. The authors share operational lessons and challenges encountered during implementation in health institutions and communities.

Outcomes and Implications

This work shows that introducing AI into national public health systems is feasible in low- and middle-income countries, but requires attention to equity, capacity-building, and governance. The lessons learned in the Dominican Republic may serve as a replicable model for other countries seeking to responsibly leverage AI for epidemic preparedness. Policymakers and public health leaders should consider not only the technical aspects but also ethical, institutional, and community factors when adopting AI in health systems.