Digital Health Unbound: WHS-Side Event

On October 16th 2024, the WHS Side Event "Digital Health Unbound: Global Collaborations for Better Care" organized by the Global Digital Last Mile Health Lab (GDLMHL) at the Charité Center for Global Health together with the Geneva Digital Health Hub (gdhub) and the Digital Transformations for Health Lab (DTH-Lab) in Geneva, took place at the Einstein Center Digital Future in Berlin. The event was opened by Prof. Beate Kampmann from the Charité Center for Global Health, setting the stage for insightful discussions on the impact and challenges of digitalization in health care. 

The event was moderated by Dr. Samuel Knauss from the GDLMHL and featured four keynotes and lightning talks that highlighted the transformative power of digital health, while also addressing its limitations:

• Prof. Smisha Agarwal (Center for Global Digital Health Innovations at Johns Hopkins University) discussed how the CGDHI fosters global collaborations in digital health. She emphasized that over 100 countries have developed digital health strategies, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the examples of India and Brazil, she outlined the potential and boundaries and the role of scientific evidence for digital health transformations. 
• Jai Ganesh Udayasankaran (Asia eHealth Information Network) spoke about global collaborations for better care, sharing insights from AeHIN’s work across 84 countries. With 2,400 members, the network supports digital health planning and implementation. His message: "Health is the focus, and digital is the means."
• Dr. Mirana Randriambelonoro (Geneva Digital Health Hub) addressed gender disparities in healthcare and how digital health can increase access to care for women in rural areas. She shared research from Nepal and Mali, demonstrating how telemedicine can overcome social barriers and improve health outcomes.
• Dr. Sophie Delaigue (Geneva Digital Health Hub) introduced the digital health Communities of Practice, community platforms aimed at connecting digital health peers worldwide.

Panel Discussion - Scaling and Sustaining Digital Health: Regional Strategies and Cross-Border Considerations 

A lively panel discussion followed, moderated by Dr. Caroline Perrin Franck (Geneva Digital Health Hub), focusing on scaling and sustaining digital health, with an emphasis on regional strategies and cross-border collaboration. The panel featured: Salim Azzabi Zouraq (WHO), Joscelyn Magdeleine (WTO), Maxime Collin (Pierre Fabre Foundation), Prof. Smisha Agarwal (Johns Hopkins University) and Prof. Cheick Oumar Bagayoko (CERTES, Mali). The discussion highlighted the promise and challenges of telemedicine in rural areas. While it presents logistical and cost-related obstacles, it remains a vital tool in expanding access to primary health care. The panel underscored the importance of the public sector’s role in driving the digitization of health systems.

Panel Discussion: Public Health Interventions to Address the Digital Determinants of Children’s Health and Wellbeing

A second panel, moderated by Dr. Tobias Silberzahn (Grameen Digital Healthcare Solutions), explored public health interventions to address the digital determinants of children’s health. The panel included: Prof. Till Bärninghausen (Heidelberg Institute of Global Health), Götz Gottschalk (YouTube Germany), Prof. Anurag Agrawal (Ashoka University), Prof. Ilona Kickbusch (Digital Transformations for Health Lab) and Caroline Knop (Digital Transformations for Health Lab)

Prof. Ilona Kickbusch emphasized the risks posed by excessive media use on children’s cognitive and physical development, urging precautionary measures. Caroline Knop highlighted the potential benefits of the internet and AI in improving children’s health. The panel stressed the need for balanced regulations that promote health literacy among children and young adults, while safeguarding against the risks of digital technologies.

We thank everyone who made this event possible for their valuable participation and contributions to these important discussions - and especially Caroline Baltzer, Dr. Samuel Knauss and Caroline Knop from the Global Digital Last Mile Health Lab for initiating the event.

Photo Credits:Lucas Kahl Design
Summary: Anja Paulsen-Stock

Links

Global Digital Last Mile Health Lab (GDLMHL) 
Geneva Digital Health Hub (gdhub)
Digital Transformations for Health Lab (DTH-Lab)  
Einstein Center Digital Future in Berlin

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