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Infectious diseases continue to pose a significant global health challenge, necessitating innovative approaches for predicting outbreaks, detecting variants, conducting contact tracing, discovering new drugs and managing misinformation. Artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly supported work in these areas, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the benefits of AI must be equitably distributed, and its use must be responsible and inclusive. As various nations implement AI regulations, the global nature of AI necessitates international collaboration to establish ethical guidelines and governance frameworks. In response to these needs, the Global South AI for Pandemic & Epidemic Preparedness & Response Network (AI4PEP) is leading a multinational effort across 16 countries to strengthen public health systems through responsible, Southern-led AI solutions. This opinion piece highlights AI4PEP's initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), examining the region's AI governance models and the challenges they present. By lowering barriers to AI adoption and fostering equitable access to AI-driven public health innovations, our network empowers researchers, healthcare professionals and policymakers in LAC to harness AI for infectious disease preparedness and response, ultimately improving health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.