AI and the Landscape of Medical Information Seeking in LMICs

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) access and understand medical information. In regions where health systems often face shortages of trained professionals, uneven distribution of services, and resource constraints, AI-powered tools offer new pathways to bridge long-standing gaps. Chatbots, mobile health apps, and automated triage systems allow individuals to obtain basic health
guidance instantly, often in their local languages, and without the need to travel long distances for preliminary consultations. Nearly 85% of Africans live within reach of a mobile-broadband signal, moreover, a UN survey finds confidence in AI is higher in countries where human-development scores are lower. For populations with limited literacy, voice-enabled AI assistants can simplify complex medical explanations, helping users make better-informed decisions about symptoms, treatment options, and preventive care. Additionally, AI systems can help identify misinformation by delivering verified,
evidence-based content—an essential function in environments where rumors and unregulated online advice can pose risks.