Artificial Intelligene for
Public Health Professionals

Across many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), public health professionals are expected to manage increasingly complex responsibilities across policy, programmes, research, and system strengthening, often with limited access to continuous training and professional development. Capacity-building opportunities are frequently fragmented, short-term, and unevenly distributed, leaving many professionals without the tools, mentorship, or practical support needed to strengthen their day-to-day work and grow their expertise over time. While digital transformation has advanced in many areas of health, workforce development has not kept pace—particularly in ways that are locally relevant, accessible, and embedded in real workplace needs.

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At the same time, generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and similar platforms are rapidly becoming more visible and accessible. In health, much of the discussion to date has focused on clinical applications such as diagnostics and decision support, with far less attention to how these tools could support the wider public health workforce. Generative AI may offer new opportunities to strengthen professional development by helping with everyday tasks such as summarising technical documents, drafting reports, synthesising evidence, translating content, and supporting self-directed learning. 

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To better understand these gaps and opportunities, this project includes a survey of public health professionals across Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The survey aims to capture current levels of awareness, access, and use of AI tools, as well as perceived barriers, training needs, and priorities for future integration.