In a decisive decision to advance the global transformation of health, the member states of the sixtieth World Health Assembly (WHA78) approved the extension of the Global digital health strategy 2020-2025 Until 2027. The approved decision also calls to who initiate the development of a new global digital health strategy for 2028-2033, guaranteeing alignment on emerging global digital cooperation efforts, including the UN Pact for the future and sustainable development objectives.
This extension reflects the growing impulse and the critical importance of digital health in the realization of fair, resilient and centered health systems.
Digital health does not concern applications, platforms or devices. It is a question of transforming the way in which health systems serve people – more equitably, more effectively and with greater attention to individual needs.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus / OMS Managing Director
Originally approved at the seventy-third World Health Assembly (WA73) in 2020, the strategy has catalyzed significant progress in the implementation of fair digital health in all regions of the WHO. The main progress understands the progress of the development of national digital health strategies, reinforced collaboration through regional executives, improved cross -border interoperability, creation of advice and governance on artificial intelligence and improvements in health information systems. Digital health has also drawn sustained global attention, having been included in the agendas of five consecutive G20 presidencies.
Since the launch of the strategy, countries and partners have made substantial progress:
- 129 countries have established national digital health strategies.
- More than 1,600 government representatives from more than 100 countries have received training in digital health and artificial intelligence.
- Transformative initiatives such as Global digital health certification network were launched, benefiting to 1.8 billion people in 80 countries.
- Critical advice on artificial health intelligence have been published, in particular Ethics and governance of artificial health intelligenceWith global workshops supporting the Member States in the implementation of ethical AI.
- 130 Member States have carried out assessments of digital health maturity using Mondial Digital Health Monitor.
- Government’s collaboration with digital health has been established in four WHO regions, 40 member states joining the Global Digital Health Partnership.
- Global collaboration has been strengthened through the Digital health initiativeThe WHO innovation center and the regional executives led by WHO, ITU, the African Union, PAHO and other key partners.
“This extension is not only to add two additional years – it is a question of accelerating the action. With a renewed mandate extending from 2028 to 2033, we are entering a critical phase where digital health must be deliberately put on scale and fairly integrated into each health system. From AI to TV, we have the tools; Now we have to make sure they reach and benefit everyone, ” Dr Alain Labrique, director of the WHO Health and Innovation Department.
With digital health which should play an increasingly central role in universal health coverage, pandemic preparation and resilient climate systems, this extension reaffirms the shared commitment of WHO and its member states for an inclusive, ethical and sustainable digital transformation.