S.A.R.A.H. and the decline of trust in health information: a case study

• S.A.R.A.H., a recently launched WHO digital health tool, uses generative AI to provide accessible health information and combat misinformation. • The study reveals concerns about S.A.R.A.H.'s operational functionality and empathetic design, which could potentially undermine public trust in WHO as a reliable health information source. • The study highlights the need for ethical considerations and operational effectiveness in deploying AI tools in public health, aiming to maintain trust and credibility in global health institutions. This case study critically examines S.A.R.A.H. (Smart AI Resource Assistant for Health) as an element of the World Health Organization's (WHO) digital health strategy, focusing on its design and generated content. Launched in April 2024 to provide accessible health information and combat misinformation, S.A.R.A.H. utilizes generative AI to engage users across diverse health topics. Despite its purported empathetic design, concerns arise regarding its operational functionality and empathetic capabilities. By critically analyzing S.A.R.A.H.'s operational limitations and discussing the implications for trust, this paper highlights the tool's potential to erode public trust in WHO as a reliable health information source. It also identifies potential strategies for the development and release of similar tools. The paper underscores the importance of ethical considerations and operational effectiveness in deploying digital health initiatives, aiming to inform future strategies in AI integration within public health. Ultimately, it emphasizes the critical need to uphold trust and credibility in global health institutions.