Pros, Cons and Limits of AI in Public Health

This paper explores the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Public Health (PH), examining its benefits, challenges, and ethical considerations. AI has become an essential tool in healthcare, improving diagnosis, treatment, and health system management. Its applications range from disease surveillance to personalized patient care, offering transformative potential in addressing public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the rapid adoption of AI technologies also raises concerns related to accuracy, bias, ethical dilemmas, and the safety of AI-driven decisions in healthcare. The paper presents a systematic review of the literature, identifying key areas where AI is used in public health, alongside the advantages and potential risks. Additionally, it highlights the importance of the EU AI Act, which categorizes public health AI systems as high-risk, requiring strict oversight to ensure transparency, accountability, and the protection of individual rights. The Act serves as a critical framework to foster trust and safety in AI applications, ensuring their responsible and ethical use in public health while enhancing Europe’s preparedness for future health challenges. Further research is needed to address the limitations and ethical issues associated with AI in public health, including its impact on workforce dynamics and equitable healthcare access.