Inside EU Health: AI for health to ending 'conversion therapy'

AI Continent for Health: The EU has launched two initiatives—the Apply AI Strategy and the AI in Science Strategy - to strengthen Europe’s future as an ‘AI Continent’. Announced by Executive Vice-President Henna Virkunnen, healthcare is one of the sectors targeted to reap the benefits of technology, with new European AI-powered screening networks, faster medical device approvals, and an AI drug discovery challenge. The EU wants public administrations, in particular, to adopt European-made AI. Read our full article here.

Global Gateway Forum: Tomorrow, von der Leyen will present the Global Gateway Investment Strategy. Expect an announcement on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies (MAV+), the EU’s cooperation with African partners started during COVID. 

LGBTIQ+ 'protect the love': Commissioner Lahbib presented the EU’s ‘LGBTIQ+ Equality strategy’ today. According to the Fundamental Rights Agency’s last LGBTIQ survey, 14% of respondents reported facing discrimination from healthcare professionals. To tackle health inequalities, the Commission will continue to share information and support research projects on better access to health and care services through Horizon Europe. 

The Communication also condemns conversion practices, which it describes as ‘deeply harmful interventions that rely on the medically false idea that LGBT[IQ+] people are sick, inflicting severe pain and suffering, and resulting in long-lasting psychological and physical damage’. The Commission plans to publish a study analyzing the nature, prevalence and impact of these practices on LGBTIQ+ people.