Opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence in public health: a systematic review on technological efficacy, ethical dilemmas, and governance pathways

The integration of AI into public health represents a major socio-technical transformation beyond mere technical upgrade. Navigating its dual nature requires a balanced approach that embeds ethical foresight into design, promotes equitable and participatory governance, and addresses global evidence disparities. Future efforts should prioritize explainable AI, robust data governance models, transdisciplinary research, and forward-looking policy frameworks to steer AI development towards equitable and trustworthy public health outcomes.