AI for Non-Profits: The Way Forward for Health and Social Impact
Reach Digital Health spotlights AI for Non-Profits at Skoll World Forum
A Reach Digital Health-powered panel addressed the right time for a non-profit to integrate AI into their work, how non-profits can act responsibly in implementing AI in practice, and provided examples of what to do and what not to do in this burgeoning area for social impact organizations.
Titled “AI for Non-Profits — The Way Forward for Health and Social Impact,” the event was held on April 12th, 2024, as part of the Marmalade Festival, an annual gathering at the Skoll World Forum that brings together events, discussions, and resources aimed at influencing change.
With the ever-increasing number of articles, research, and commentary on the use of AI for social impact, Reach put together a panel discussion to provide valuable insights and actionable steps for non-profits working in health currently exploring AI solutions. The debate took place within the framework of Reach’s mission to innovate for better health outcomes, including the responsible use of AI and mobile technology — making personal, uninterrupted healthcare available to everyone, and Skoll World Forum’s aim to accelerate innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.
The panel discussion looked at current successful applications of AI in health, real-life AI challenges, and ethical considerations for nonprofits. Furthermore, when considering AI integration, the audience was left with practical advice on AI adoption, investment requirements, and tangible next steps.
The panel was well received, across the board, coming in the wake of a recent Google.org survey that found that while four in five nonprofits think generative AI may apply to their work, nearly half said their organization is not currently using the technology — citing a lack of tools, awareness, training, and funding as the biggest barriers to adoption.
In 2023, Reach Digital Health was awarded the prestigious 2023 Skoll Award for Social Innovation, which highlights leaders and organizations that advance transformational social change around the world. The Skoll Foundation’s announcement recognized Reach Digital Health (the only African organization in the 2023 cohort) “for its accomplishments in driving large-scale, systemic, and sustainable change.”
“I firmly believe that responsible AI implementation has the potential to bring about transformative change in health, leading to better health outcomes for all,” says Debbie Rogers, CEO of Reach Digital Health. “The collective insights of the panel aim to not only inspire but equip our audience to chart a course towards leveraging AI effectively for their mission.”
