Artificial intelligence and task shifting: Opportunities
for strengthening health systems in Malawi

Jobiba Chinkhumba^1,2

1. Health Systems and Policy, School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences,
2. Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Program
   *Corresponding Author: Jobiba Chinkhumba; E-mail: jchikhumba@kuhes.ac.mw

Abstract
Low-income countries including Malawi face persistent challenges in health service delivery primarily due to a critical shortage of human resources for health (HRH). Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are gaining traction as tools to support diagnosis, treatment monitoring and health systems efficiency. In this paper, we discuss the potential role of AI in supporting health workers through task-shifting strategies and explore circumstances under which AI-led diagnosis and monitoring could substitute for human providers in a safe, ethical, cost-effective and affordable manner. We highlight opportunities in areas with large service delivery constraints such as radiology, pathology, prevalent and chronic disease monitoring. We discuss the use of discrete choice experiments (DCEs) to investigate preferences of patients, providers, and policymakers on AI integration into healthcare. Finally, we outline policy implications for Malawi. While AI is not a panacea, we argue that it could be an important adjunct to the health workforce if
strategically deployed, regulated, and aligned with health system priorities.