Abu Dhabi institute brings UAE’s disease prevention and AI expertise to New York

An Abu Dhabi-based global health institute, Glide, is bringing the UAE's disease-elimination expertise to the international stage, aiming to help other countries adapt to the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI). Dr. Farida Al Hosani, CEO of Glide, believes AI can help address long-standing gaps in healthcare access and expertise, especially for low and middle-income countries with constrained health budgets.

At the UN General Assembly high-level week, Glide launched new AI training programs for public health leaders and formalized a partnership with Nigeria and the RBM Partnership to End Malaria to support countries hardest hit by malaria. The focus of the partnership is to help countries make better use of limited resources through improved disease surveillance and AI.

Glide is also developing two training programs: Glide Leadership Excellence in AI for Health for senior decision-makers, and AI for All for public health professionals. In Madagascar, Glide is piloting AI-assisted microscopy to detect and diagnose neglected tropical diseases, addressing shortages of specialists. The UAE has supported global efforts against polio, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases while developing its AI sector at home.

Glide sits at the intersection of these efforts, leveraging AI to support countries most in need. However, Dr. Al Hosani cautions that AI must be used cautiously, balancing its potential benefits with its risks.