World Health Assembly Extends Global Digital Health Strategy Through 2027

The 78th World Health Assembly has approved a two-year extension of the World Health Organization's Global Strategy on Digital Health, carrying the initiative through 2027 while simultaneously endorsing the development of a follow-up framework that will guide digital health efforts from 2028 to 2033.

Originally launched in 2020, the WHO's strategy serves as a comprehensive guide for countries navigating the adoption and scaling of digital health tools. The framework focuses on improving care delivery, promoting equity, and building resilience within healthcare systems. It provides strategic objectives for advancing digital health at both national and global levels, with particular emphasis on strengthening governance structures around emerging technologies. The strategy includes implementation guidance and governance tools designed to support countries in their digital health transformation journeys.

Since the strategy's initial launch, the WHO reports significant progress across multiple fronts. A total of 129 countries have now established national digital health strategies, demonstrating widespread commitment to digital transformation. More than 1,600 government officials representing over 100 countries have received specialized training in digital health and artificial intelligence applications. Additionally, 130 member states have conducted digital health maturity assessments to evaluate their readiness and identify areas for improvement.

The organization has also launched the Global Digital Health Certification Network and issued comprehensive guidance on AI implementation in healthcare settings. Workshops supporting member states in ethical AI deployment have been conducted alongside these initiatives. Government-to-government collaboration focused on digital health has been established across four WHO regions, with 40 member states participating in the Global Digital Health Partnership.

"This extension is not just about adding two more years—it's about accelerating action. With a renewed mandate extending from 2028 to 2033, we are entering a critical phase where digital health must be purposefully scaled and equitably integrated into every health system. From AI to telehealth, we have the tools; now we must ensure they reach and benefit everyone," Dr. Alain Labrique, director of WHO's Department of Digital Health and Innovation, said in a statement.

The WHO has introduced several complementary initiatives to support digital health advancement. In 2024, the organization released the Digital transformation handbook for primary health care, providing countries with a roadmap for digitizing health information systems. Version 2.0 of the Artificial Intelligence in Public Health Readiness Assessment Toolkit was also released, created in coordination with IDB and the Pan American Health Organization. Last year saw the launch of S.A.R.A.H (Smart AI Resource Assistant for Health), a generative AI assistant offering health information in eight languages on topics including cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes.

Click here for the original news story.