Global Digital Health Strategy Extended to 2027 for Enhanced Access
Geneva, Sunday, 16 March 2025.
The Global Initiative on Digital Health strategy has been extended to 2027, with an emphasis on improving digital infrastructure and equitable technology access, supporting vulnerable communities worldwide.
Strategic Priorities and Global Implementation
The 156th session of the WHO Executive Board has approved a significant two-year extension of the Global Strategy on Digital Health, pushing its timeline from 2025 to 2027. This extension encompasses crucial priority areas including digital and data governance, interoperability, data quality, and artificial intelligence implementation [1]. The initiative builds upon a robust foundation, with smart hospital technologies expected to see market growth from USD 4.6 billion in 2018 to USD 17.9 billion by 2026 [2].
Technology Integration and Infrastructure Development
Healthcare organizations are demonstrating strong commitment to digital transformation, with 68% of U.S. healthcare institutions focusing on IT, AI, and smart technologies [2]. The advancement of digital health systems particularly emphasizes sustainable development, with implementation strategies prioritizing local entrepreneurship and country-specific leadership models [1]. A key component of this transformation includes the integration of Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), which facilitates automated, data-driven healthcare delivery through connected devices and sensors [2].
Upcoming Global Coordination
A significant milestone in this strategic extension will be the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) convening, scheduled for May 28-29, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland. This gathering will bring together countries implementing the Global Strategy on Digital Health, along with development partners and software developers [1]. The event will align with the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20) High-Level Event 2025, scheduled for July 7-11, 2025, where digital health initiatives will be a key focus of discussion [1].
Addressing Global Healthcare Disparities
The strategic extension comes at a crucial time when digital health solutions are becoming increasingly vital for addressing healthcare disparities. This is particularly evident in the assistive technology sector, where current estimates indicate that 2.5 billion people globally need assistive technology, with this number projected to reach 3.5 billion by 2050 [3]. The initiative emphasizes the development of digital public infrastructure (DPI) safeguards, ensuring that fundamental rights are protected as healthcare systems become increasingly digitized [4].