WHO issues report urging ethical overhaul for AI in health research

The World Health Organization (WHO) released a report on September 21, 2026, titled 'Ethical Review and Regulation of AI-Related Health Research.' The report highlights the transformative potential of AI in health research while warning of risks like algorithmic bias and privacy violations without proper oversight. It outlines three categories of AI health research and calls for ethical review throughout the research lifecycle. The report stresses the need for capacity building in low- and middle-income countries to ensure equitable access to AI benefits. WHO notes that most AI research is concentrated in high-income regions, risking new forms of inequality. It urges collaboration among stakeholders, including funders and regulators, to ensure AI innovations are safe and beneficial. WHO emphasizes that Research Ethics Committees (RECs) must gain additional expertise to address AI complexities. The report underscores the importance of multidisciplinary cooperation to uphold ethical standards in AI health research.