Nicaragua strengthens its readiness for the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence in health

Managua, September 17, 2026 (PAHO/WHO).- As part of the digital transformation roadmap jointly developed by Nicaragua's Ministry of Health (MINSA) and the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), a national workshop was held to strengthen the country's readiness for the responsible, safe, and sustainable adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in health. This activity forms part of an ongoing technical cooperation agenda pursued over recent years to strengthen national capacities in innovation, interoperability, and digital governance.

The initiative followed up on the recommendations made during the regional digital transformation mission conducted in June 2026, which found that Nicaragua has a solid foundation for moving forward with the integration of AI into health.

During the workshop, clinical, technical, and management teams from MINSA worked to identify priorities for the next 24 months, addressing governance, infrastructure, data, human resources, implementation, public engagement, and financing through an AI readiness methodology adapted to the national context. The workshop also featured an exchange of experiences with the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, a WHO Collaborating Centre for digital health.

The priorities identified by participants included strengthening the regulatory and ethical framework for AI in health, improving connectivity and cybersecurity, building the capacities of health personnel, and gradually implementing projects supported by monitoring and evaluation indicators.

The country's progress in digital transformation, aimed at strengthening the Family and Community Health Model (MOSAFC), provides the starting point for a new phase focused on interoperability, digital governance, and the progressive integration of artificial intelligence.

The workshop's findings will inform the development of a national roadmap for artificial intelligence in health and governance mechanisms to enable the ethical, transparent, and people-centered integration of these technologies. Priority areas of work also include strengthening the interoperability of information systems and developing AI-assisted mammography as the country's first demonstration case for implementation.

PAHO reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting the country in consolidating an interoperable and resilient digital ecosystem that contributes to improving the quality, timeliness, and equity of health services. The shared vision is for artificial intelligence to serve as a tool that supports the health model, strengthens national capacities, and delivers better outcomes for the Nicaraguan population.