Orapuh is committed to developing, deploying, and governing artificial intelligence (AI) systems in ways that enhance human well-being, protect rights, and advance our mission of improving oral and public health education, research, and practice. These Responsible AI Principles guide our staff, partners, and stakeholders in the ethical and effective use of AI technologies.

1. Human-Centred Design and Benefit

We will ensure that all AI systems, tools, and research we develop or adopt are designed to enhance human capacity, decision-making, and well-being, especially in oral and public health. AI must serve our learners, researchers, patients, and communities—not replace or diminish their agency.

Key commitments:

  • Prioritise human safety, dignity, and health outcomes in all AI-driven initiatives.

  • Design systems that are inclusive and sensitive to the diverse contexts of Africa and the global south.

  • Seek measurable public benefit over purely technological advancement.

2. Transparency and Explainability

We will maintain transparency in how AI systems work and are used at Orapuh. Stakeholders should understand, at a meaningful level, how AI-based decisions or recommendations are made.

Key commitments:

  • Provide clear, accessible explanations of AI tools and their outputs to users and stakeholders.

  • Document the data sources, assumptions, and limitations of AI systems.

  • Disclose when learners, staff, or partners are interacting with AI rather than humans.

3. Fairness and Equity

We will actively prevent AI systems from replicating or amplifying harmful biases, inequities, or discrimination.

Key commitments:

  • Audit datasets and models for biases relevant to oral and public health populations.

  • Consider socio-cultural, linguistic, and geographic diversity in training and testing data.

  • Foster equitable access to AI tools and insights for all Orapuh stakeholders.

4. Accountability and Oversight

We will establish clear responsibility for AI-related decisions, outcomes, and impacts.

Key commitments:

  • Assign named individuals or committees to oversee AI initiatives.

  • Maintain clear lines of accountability for errors, harms, or unintended consequences.

  • Require human review of critical decisions that affect individuals’ education, health, or livelihoods.

5. Privacy and Data Protection

We will handle data used in AI systems in compliance with data protection laws and in accordance with Orapuh’s ethical standards.

Key commitments:

  • Collect and process only the data necessary for the intended purpose.

  • Securely store and manage data to prevent unauthorised access or misuse.

  • Use de-identification or anonymisation wherever feasible to protect personal information.

6. Safety and Security

We will ensure that AI systems are robust, reliable, and resistant to misuse or attack.

Key commitments:

  • Conduct rigorous testing of AI systems before deployment.

  • Establish monitoring and incident-response protocols for AI-related risks.

  • Regularly update and patch systems to maintain security and integrity.

7. Continuous Learning and Improvement

We will adopt a culture of ongoing assessment, reflection, and refinement of AI systems.

Key commitments:

  • Evaluate AI systems regularly against ethical, technical, and user-experience standards.

  • Update models and datasets as new evidence and best practices emerge.

  • Encourage feedback from stakeholders to improve AI tools and policies.

8. Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

We will work with academic, industry, and community partners to advance responsible AI practices in oral and public health.

Key commitments:

  • Contribute to open dialogue, research, and standards-setting in responsible AI.

  • Share lessons learnt from our AI deployments while respecting confidentiality and intellectual property.

  • Promote cross-sector partnerships to address ethical and technical challenges in AI.

9. Environmental and Social Responsibility

We will consider the environmental and societal impacts of AI systems and work to minimise harm.

Key commitments:

  • Monitor and manage the energy use and carbon footprint of AI technologies.

  • Favour sustainable, resource-efficient AI solutions.

  • Assess broader social implications of AI, including workforce impacts.

10. Education and Capacity Building

We will develop AI literacy across our staff, learners, and stakeholders to ensure informed and responsible use.

Key commitments:

  • Provide training on ethical and effective AI use to Orapuh staff and affiliates.

  • Include AI ethics topics in Orapuh programmes where relevant.

  • Encourage critical thinking about the opportunities and limits of AI in oral and public health.

Implementation and Governance

  • Oversight: A Responsible AI Committee under Orapuh’s Oversight and Academic Board (OAB) will review all major AI initiatives.

  • Assessment: All new AI projects will undergo an ethical, legal, and impact assessment before approval.

  • Reporting: Annual public reports on Orapuh’s AI practices, risks, and improvements will be published on our website.

  • Review: These principles will be revisited at least every two years to reflect advances in technology, regulation, and stakeholder expectations.

Why This Matters

By adopting these Responsible AI Principles, Orapuh positions itself as a leader in ethical and innovative AI use in oral and public health. These principles not only protect our stakeholders but also enhance trust, credibility, and long-term sustainability.