The digital transformation of healthcare is reshaping how systems operate, creating both opportunities and challenges for equitable health outcomes. In response, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched the Strategic Partnership for Data and Digital Health, a collaborative effort aimed at driving innovation and equity in digital health across Europe.
This initiative, spearheaded by WHO’s European office, unites member states, organisations, and experts to tackle shared challenges in digital health. With 53 European countries participating, along with representatives from the private sector, academia, non-governmental organisations, and intergovernmental agencies, the partnership is designed to foster collaboration and build ‘safe, affordable, and person-centred digital technologies for health’.
Why a Partnership is Essential
The growing reliance on digital tools in healthcare holds great promise for improving access, quality, and efficiency. However, progress is hindered by persistent barriers. For instance, many European countries dedicate only a small fraction of their healthcare budgets to digital transformation. A report from 2021 showed only 68% of Member States have earmarked budget for the digital health strategy, and only 43% use cloud services as part of their system infrastructure. This underinvestment has led to fragmented systems, limited interoperability, and unequal access to digital solutions, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Only 35% of member states have clear policies on the use of big data and advanced analytics. Concerns around data security and privacy remain widespread among both patients and healthcare professionals.
By pooling knowledge and resources, the WHO initiative seeks to address these gaps and establish and inclusive digital health ecosystem that prioritises equity and sustainability.
Four Key Focus Areas
To tackle the complexities of digital health, the Strategic Partnership has established four working groups, each addressing a critical area of development:
1. Expanding Capabilities and Responsible AI
This group explores way to leverage digital tools and artificial intelligence responsibility to improve healthcare access and efficiency.
2. Bringing Healthcare to the Home
By promoting digital technologies for home-based care and prevention, this focus area empowers patients to take a more active role in managing their health.
3. Enabling Interoperability and Standards
Seamless data sharing and system integration are vital for effective care. This group is tasked with developing and promoting standards to ensure interoperability across the region.
4. Supporting Public Health and Well-Being
Recognising the mental and physical demands on healthcare workers and patients, this group integrates mental health supports into a broader health framework, emphasising the role of digital tools.
A Commitment to Equity
Equity remains central to this initiative. During the launch event in Copenhagen, Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, stressed the importance of working together to uphold human rights and fairness in healthcare. ‘No single entity alone can unlock the full potential of digital health and data. But through the knowledge and understanding fostered by this platform, we can work together to ensure that values of equity and human rights remain at the core of health systems in the digital era’.
Looking Ahead
Aligned with WHO’s Global Digital Health Strategy for 2020-2025 and the European Digital Health Action Plan for 2023-2030, the Strategic Partnership is charting a course toward sustainable, inclusive digital health systems. Through shared learning, innovation, and coordinated action, the initiative aims to reduce health disparities and protect the rights of patients and professionals alike.
As healthcare systems continue to evolve, WHO’s Strategic Partnership serves as a vital framework for navigating the complexities of digital transformation while ensuring that no one is left behind.
Milena Henderson
Project Management Associate, Marketing and Communication for Pharmalys Ltd
Sources : WHO
https://www.who.int/europe/initiatives/strategic-partners-initiative-for-data-and-digital-health#:~:text=Section%20navigation&text=The%20Strategic%20Partners’%20Initiative%20for,of%20data%20and%20digital%20health.
https://digital-europe-website-v1.s3.fr-par.scw.cloud/uploads/2021/11/DIGITALEUROPE_A-digital-health-decade_From-ambition-to-action.pdf
