Recognizing the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI), genomics and precision medicine in strengthening health systems and advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC), WHO and the University of Colombo signed a Project Collaboration Agreement to strengthen regional leadership and capacity development for AI-enabled precision medicine across the WHO South-East Asia Region. As Member States increasingly explore digital technologies, AI and genomics as part of broader health system transformation, the collaboration seeks to strengthen workforce readiness, support responsible implementation within primary healthcare systems, develop governance and policy frameworks, generate practical implementation knowledge for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and strengthen health system pathways towards UHC.
The University of Colombo has over two decades of leadership in biomedical and health informatics, genomics and precision medicine. The University has established pioneering postgraduate training programmes in Biomedical and Health Informatics and Clinical Genetics, demonstrated leadership in digital health policy and AI governance, and contributed to regional capacity development through WHO-supported work and international partnerships in digital health, genomics and health systems innovation.
The collaboration between WHO and the University of Colombo will support WHO SEARO and Member States through four core technical functions:
Competency Development and Leadership Training through
- Development of regional competency frameworks
- Executive leadership programmes
- Fellowship and mentorship programmes
- Workforce training for clinicians, educators, researchers and policymakers
AI Governance and Readiness Support through
- Baseline and follow-up readiness assessments
- Governance and ethics frameworks
- Policy consultations
- Support for genomic data governance
AI-enabled Precision Medicine for PHC and UHC through
- Implementation models for NCDs
- Pharmacogenomics integration
- Risk stratification models
- Preventive care pathways
- Maternal and child health applications
Knowledge Translation and Policy Support through
- Technical guidance documents
- Policy briefs
- Case studies
- Regional implementation repository
This collaboration complements existing regional initiatives by not only focusing on building technologies, but on preparing the people, systems and governance structures required to use AI-enabled precision medicine responsibly. It will support Member States in strengthening leadership, workforce preparedness and institutional readiness while facilitating the responsible integration of AI-enabled precision medicine into primary healthcare systems to advance equitable progress towards Universal Health Coverage. The Agreement is valid for an initial period of two years, commencing 10 July 2026 and ending 31 July 2028.