Digital health is the use of information and communication technologies to improve health outcomes, health services, and health systems. Digital health can enable access to quality health care for all, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where there are often gaps in health infrastructure, workforce, and resources.
To support the implementation of the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020–2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the G20 India presidency announced a new Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) at the Health Minister’s Meeting of the G20 Summit hosted by the Government of India on 19 August 2022.
What is the Global Initiative on Digital Health?
The Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) is a WHO-managed network and platform that aims to bring countries and partners together to achieve measurable outcomes by:
- developing clear priority-driven investment plans for digital health transformation;
- improving reporting and transparency of digital health resources;
- facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration across regions and countries to accelerate progress;
- supporting whole-of-government approaches for digital health governance in countries; and
- increasing technical and financial support to the implementation of the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020–2025 and its next phase.
The GIDH initiative will operate as a "guide" for countries to select, maintain, and adapt digital health interventions that are appropriate for their contexts and needs. The GIDH initiative will also help countries to align their digital health policies and strategies with the global standards and best practices established by WHO.
Why is the Global Initiative on Digital Health important?
The Global Initiative on Digital Health is important because it responds to the urgent need for coordinated action and collaboration in digital health, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has highlighted the potential and challenges of digital health solutions.
According to WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, "Continued support and collaboration of the G20, development partners and international organizations will be necessary to accomplish together what none of us can do alone. WHO is committed to working with countries to strengthen their capacities and to improve access to quality-assured digital solutions for a healthier, safer, fairer future.
The GIDH initiative also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. By leveraging digital technologies, the GIDH initiative can help countries to address the challenges of universal health coverage, health security, health equity, and health system resilience.
How can you get involved in the Global Initiative on Digital Health?
If you are interested in learning more about the Global Initiative on Digital Health or joining the network, you can visit the official website of the GIDH initiative. You can also follow the updates and news from WHO on digital health .
You can also share your views and experiences on digital health by using the hashtag #GIDH on social media platforms. You can also join the conversation by following some of the key stakeholders and partners of the GIDH initiative, such as:
- WHO [@WHO](https://twitter.com/WHO)
- G20 India Presidency [@g20org](https://twitter.com/g20org)
- India's Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya [@mansukhmandviya](https://twitter.com/mansukhmandviya)
- WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia [@WHOSEARO](https://twitter.com/WHOSEARO)
Source:
(1) G20 health ministers unveil initiative on digital health | Mint. https://www.livemint.com/news/india/g20-health-ministers-unveil-initiative-on-digital-health-11692446211179.html.
(2) WHO launches a new global Initiative on digital health supported by the .... https://www.who.int/news/item/19-08-2023-who-launches-a-new-global-initiative-on-digital-health-at-the-g20-summit-in-india.
(3) WHO launches a new global Initiative on digital health supported by the .... https://www.who.int/news/item/19-08-2023-who-launches-a-new-global-initiative-on-digital-health-at-the-g20-summit-in-india.
