Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the Right of Everyone to the Enjoyment of the Highest Attainable Standard of Physical and Mental Health, Tlaleng Mofokeng

Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America

Delivered by Ms. Branka Bell

Human Rights Council – 53rd Session

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you, Madam Special Rapporteur, for your important report on the positive and negative implications of digital innovation and advanced technologies on health.

The United States agrees that digital technologies, if not responsibly developed, managed, and used, can perpetuate racism, sexism, ableism, discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and other types of discrimination.

We appreciate your report’s focus on the positive effects of digital innovation and technologies on access to sexual and reproductive health, including through expanded access to virtual health services in remote areas and underserved communities.

As the current Chair of the Freedom Online Coalition, the United States will continue to work to advance norms, principles, and safeguards for artificial intelligence, which is increasingly being used in the medical field.

We will also continue to work on preventing the misuse of technology, which includes the misuse of personal health data.

Madam Special Rapporteur, what are some examples you have seen of positive uses of artificial intelligence in health and medicine with proper safeguards and responsible use?

I thank you.

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