The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has unveiled a new guide to help public health professionals design Artificial Intelligence (AI) prompts that produce accurate, relevant, and culturally sensitive content. The publication aims to strengthen the responsible use of generative AI in health communication and decision-making across the Americas. Titled “AI Prompt Design for Public Health,” the guide highlights how clear, specific, and purpose-driven prompts can transform how AI supports the public sector – from drafting health alerts and educational materials to simplifying research translation.
“Generative AI or GenAI has become a powerful tool for public health, but its effectiveness depends on how it is instructed,” said Marcelo D’Agostino, Head of Information Systems and Digital Health at PAHO. “Good prompt design is key to unlocking its full potential.”
“Prompts should be treated as living protocols—tested, refined, and adapted to context,” PAHO advises, underscoring the importance of human oversight to ensure AI-generated outputs remain accurate and trustworthy.
The guide encourages institutions to develop “prompt libraries” to standardize AI practices across public health systems, improving efficiency and quality control. It also warns of risks associated with unverified AI-generated content, especially when such outputs influence public behavior or emergency response. This initiative is part of PAHO’s Digital Literacy Program, designed to build the digital capacity of health professionals and accelerate the digital transformation of health systems. By improving how AI is used, the organization hopes to enhance evidence-based communication, speed up decision-making, and strengthen public trust in digital health tools.
With AI becoming central to global health operations, PAHO’s new guide marks a critical step toward safer, smarter, and more equitable digital health communication – ensuring that technology serves people, not the other way around.
