Hon’ble Chair, Excellencies, Director-General, Colleagues and friends,
Technology is reshaping global health, advancing us toward Health for All.
From strengthening primary care to improving pandemic response, digital health and AI have the potential to reduce inequities and empower communities.
As WHO, we are determined to make them powerful allies in public health.
To unlock their full potential and avoid fragmented “pilotitis,” countries must adopt strategies aligned with the seven building blocks of the WHO-ITU framework —emphasizing governance, interoperability, workforce capacity, and infrastructure.
Digital Public Infrastructure—as seen in India’s ‘Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission’ and Estonia’s e-Health system—offers scalable, inclusive, and resilient solutions.
AI can further amplify impact by predicting outbreaks, enabling precision care, optimizing vaccine logistics, cutting costs, and expanding access.
WHO’s actions – at the global, regional, and country-level - are accelerating this transformation.
The Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH), launched under India’s G20 presidency, aligns resources and encourages collaboration.
The Global Digital Health Certification Network enhances pandemic preparedness and continuity of care.
All WHO regions are advancing digital health frameworks and promoting ethical and responsible AI use. It is evident the shift from ‘option to obligation’ is underway for all of us.
On behalf of all Regional Directors, I urge your support to extend the Global Strategy on Digital Health to 2027, and to co-create a new strategy for 2028–2033.
We envisage ethical, secure, people-centered AI and digital health systems that complement the health workforce, breaks access barriers, and leaves no one behind.
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to elevate health systems for all. Let us seize it together.
Thank you.