The report highlights the potential of digital health technologies to address the challenges of access, affordability, and quality of care in healthcare. It emphasizes that these technologies can bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers, especially in underserved areas where traditional healthcare infrastructure is limited. Telemedicine, for example, allows patients in remote areas to consult with specialists remotely, overcoming geographical barriers and ensuring access to specialized care.
David A. Kessler, former FDA commissioner, emphasizes the importance of collaboration in the digital health revolution. This statement highlights the crucial role of collaboration in the digital health revolution.
The integration of digital health technologies into mainstream health systems is crucial for improving patient care, reducing healthcare costs, and enhancing public health outcomes. Digital health technologies, such as telehealth, remote patient monitoring, and electronic health records, offer a wide range of benefits, including improved access to healthcare, personalized medicine, and early disease detection. Telehealth, for example, allows patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, eliminating the need for physical visits and reducing travel time and costs.
People living with NCDs require regular monitoring and continuous management, and many need long term and specialized care. Digital tools such as telemedicine can help them to overcome barriers to accessing healthcare. Real-time data and tools for health care professionals can also help them make informed decisions about their patients. While over 60% of countries have developed a digital health strategy, there is often a lack of integration of new technologies into the existing health infrastructure. The report calls for countries to invest in digital public infrastructure, and promote standards and interoperability which can overcome critical barriers to realizing the full potential of digital health.
The report serves as a blueprint for action, complementing the WHO Global Initiative on Digital Health and Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025. The United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force for the prevention and control of NCDs (UNIATF) Secretariat, in collaboration with WHO and ITU, including through the Be He@lthy, Be Mobile programmeare committed to providing tailored strategic planning and advocacy support to governments.
