WHO launches collaborative network for data and digital health

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched a network to advance data and digital solutions for health through a collaborative approach.

The ‘Strategic partners’ initiative for data and digital health‘ will bring together the 53 member states of the WHO European region – including the UK – and partners in the fields of data and digital health.

These partners include intergovernmental, governmental and non-governmental organisations, WHO collaborating centres for data and digital health, the private sector and academic institutions.

According to a press release published 9 July, the network is intended “to tackle issues related to the digital transformation of health systems and foster a future where all patients and health care workers can benefit from safe, affordable and person-centred digital technologies for health”.

Participants of the network have formed four specialised working groups focused on: unlocking more capacity and access to healthcare with digitalisation and responsible AI; leveraging data and digital technologies to bring healthcare and prevention into the home; taking an ecosystem approach to standards and interoperability; and strengthening public health with a focus on mental health and the health workforce.

At the launch event for the network in Copenhagen, Denmark on 13 June, Dr Hans Henri P Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe said: “Our shared purpose that brings us together today is to create a new dialogue that engages the right stakeholders around the topics that matter most.

“No single entity can unleash the full potential of digital health and data.

“But through the knowledge and understanding cultivated through this platform, we can work together to ensure that the values of equity and human rights are at the core of health systems in a digital era”.

The WHO report, Digital health in the WHO European Region: the ongoing journey to commitment and transformation, published in September 2023, found that only up to 2% of the total national health budget was allocated to digital health transformation, in the few countries able to report this expenditure.

It also found that only 35% of member states have policies addressing the use of big data and advanced analytics in the health sector.

In February 2024, WHO launched its Global Initiative on Digital Health, a network designed to amplify and align resources toward country-led digital health transformation.