WHO Launches the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) | Why is this initiative vital for global health? | 2024

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially launched the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) was Launched at the G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting in India, the initiative is set to revolutionize the digital healthcare landscape globally. GIDH, to be administered by WHO, aims to overcome challenges such as duplication of effort and a “product-centric” approach to digital health transformation.

Global Initiative on Digital Health

Main advantages of Global Initiative on Digital Health ↴

  • Objective ↴
    • The primary objective of GIDH is to align efforts to support the Global Strategy for Digital Health 2020-2025.
    • It strives to provide quality technical assistance for the development and strengthening of standards in the field of digital health.
    • It facilitate the use of digital transformation tools for a more integrated and efficient healthcare ecosystem.
  • Secretariat location ↴
    • The GIDH Secretariat will be located at WHO headquarters in Geneva, providing a centralized hub for coordinating global efforts.
  • Basic pillars of GIDH ↴
    • Country Needs Tracker ⇢ A tool to facilitate investments in digital health by identifying the specific needs of each country.
    • Country Resource Portal ⇢ An online platform for identifying both traditional and innovative resource options for digital health initiatives.
    • Transformation Toolbox ⇢ A set of quality-assured tools to strengthen country capacity in managing national digital health transformation.
    • Knowledge Convening and Exchange ⇢ Platforms to support enhanced collaboration and knowledge exchange between stakeholders.

Digital Health Initiatives of India ↴

It is necessary to highlight India’s significant advances in digital health ↴

  • Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) ↴
    • Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission launched in 2021 and it aims to create a national digital health ecosystem.
    • The components include Ayushman Bharat Health Account number, health facility register, health worker register etc.
    • It enables the interoperability of health data within the health ecosystem for seamless and efficient healthcare delivery.

Conclusion ↴

The launch of WHO’s Global Initiative for Digital Health represents a pivotal moment in the development of global healthcare through digital transformation. With a focus on collaboration, standardization and knowledge exchange, GIDH is poised to drive positive change in the way digital health initiatives are approached and implemented globally. It is crucial to recognize and appreciate the digital health initiatives of countries like India, especially the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, which is a testament to the commitment to use technology for better healthcare outcomes.


WHO Launches the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) | Why is this initiative vital for global health? | 2024

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