Groups and NGOs in Latin America are using AI to expand access to sexual and reproductive health information. In Peru an obstetrician helped design a Quechua chatbot that uses a five-step counselling model. Midwives trained it with World Health Organization and national health guidelines. The platform received more than 88,000 queries last year in Quechua and Spanish.
A Peruvian non-profit also launched a generative AI platform called NOA on WhatsApp, the web and social media. Peru faces rising sexual health challenges: more than 8,000 new HIV cases were reported in 2024 and 12 per cent of births were to mothers aged ten to 19. The non-profit aims to reach 100,000 adolescents by 2026.
Researchers warn that biased AI can harm transgender people and repeat discrimination. Experts call for better data, regulation, public-private coordination and involvement of communities.
Difficult words
- obstetrician — A doctor who cares for pregnant women.
- counselling — Help through talking about personal problems.
- midwife — A trained person who helps birth babies.Midwives
- platform — A website or app where people interact.
- query — A question or request for information.queries
- discrimination — Unfair treatment of people or groups.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think a chatbot in your language would help people? Why or why not?
- How could local communities be involved in AI health projects?
- Would you trust health information from an AI chatbot? Explain briefly.
Related articles
Shared social media and changing networks in rural families
A study of rural students and one of their parents finds that university often increases who young people meet, while social media usually broadens networks. Sharing platforms between parents and children has mixed effects on network diversity and tolerance.