The use of digital technologies to improve public health as well as individual health and well-being is growing rapidly. This field, also referred to as digital health, has been recognized as instrumental in delivering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and achieving universal health coverage (UHC). WHO Member States reiterated the importance and role of digital health in the recent resolution WHA71.7 which highlights “recent progress in the development and implementation of digital health strategies, policies, legislation and programmes by Member States, WHO and partner organizations". At the same time, the Resolution requests development of a Global Strategy on Digital Health in close consultation with Member States and with inputs from relevant stakeholders.
Digital technologies can advance the Sustainable Development Goals and support health systems.The Strategy aims to identify areas where WHO, its partners and stakeholders should most usefully focus their efforts. The draft document has identified four strategic objectives and a proposed framework for action. The strategic objectives aim to:
- work together as a set,
- help to accelerate the digital health agenda in countries,
- address global issues,
- set the future direction for innovation and research.
