The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced the establishment of a collaborative network focused on advancing data and digital solutions for health.
Named the ‘Strategic partners’ initiative for data and digital health’, this network will involve the participation of the 53 member states of the WHO European region, along with various partners in the data and digital health sectors.
These partners encompass intergovernmental, governmental, and non-governmental organizations, as well as WHO collaborating centres, private sector entities, and academic institutions.
The primary goal of this network, as outlined in a recent press release, is to address issues related to the digital transformation of health systems and promote the use of safe, affordable, and person-centred digital technologies in healthcare.
Working groups within the network have been formed to focus on key areas such as enhancing access to healthcare through digitalization, bringing healthcare services into the home through digital technologies, ensuring standards and interoperability across ecosystems, and strengthening public health with a specific emphasis on mental health and the health workforce.
During the network’s launch event in Copenhagen, Denmark, Dr. Hans Henri P Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, highlighted the importance of collaboration in leveraging digital health and data to ensure equity and human rights remain central to healthcare systems in the digital age.
A recent WHO report revealed that only a small portion of national health budgets is allocated to digital health transformation, with a limited number of countries having policies addressing big data and advanced analytics in the health sector.
In light of these findings, WHO also introduced its Global Initiative on Digital Health in February 2024, aimed at supporting countries in their digital health transformation efforts.
