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.
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