UM participation in AI for Health and Care in Europe High-Level WHO Meeting

Bernice Azzopardi Meli, who is currently reading for a PhD focusing on the Development of a Digital Competency Framework to strengthen the Health Workforce in the use of Digital Technologies, with the Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics was a guest panellist during the recent WHO Euro High level meeting on AI for Health and Care in Europe held in Malta. The meeting brought together leaders to explore responsible AI in health, focusing on ethical implementation, workforce readiness, pr and sustainable strategies for nearly a billion people.

Discussions centred on launching a new regional AI health report, balancing innovation with ethics, ensuring accountability, and practical solutions to transform care while addressing burnout, with an emphasis on patient-centred, transparent AI adoption. Ms Azzopardi Meli addressed the importance of preparing the health workforce with the appropriate skills and competencies to effectively and efficiently practice in an environment where digital technologies and AI are transforming Healthcare delivery.

Bernice is conducting her research under the supervision of Prof. Maria Cordina from the Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics and co-supervised by Prof. Matthew Montebello from the Faculty of ICT. The research was developed based on a need identified by the World Health Organisation and proposed to the WHO Collaborating Centre for Health Professionals Education and Research, which is the Designation of the Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. The work is being conducted in consultation with WHO to ensure widespread applicability and the highest possible impact.