Digital health
Digital health is the field of knowledge and practice associated with the development and use of digital technologies to improve health. The following areas are commonly understood as being part of, or related to, digital health:
- artificial intelligence
- big data
- blockchain
- health data
- health information systems
- the infodemic
- the Internet of Things
- interoperability
- telemedicine.
Digital health can help countries improve access to health services, strengthen health system performance and support people in managing their health. It can also help alleviate the administrative burden on health workers, extend the reach of services, support more personalized care, and improve coordination and continuity of care.
Digital health is not a substitute for health workers or in-person care. It is an important tool for making health services more accessible, responsive and resilient, while supporting health and care workers and reducing inequalities in health.
Digital readiness is making consistent progress across the WHO European Region. A WHO report published in 2025 shows continued advances in artificial intelligence (AI) deployment and use. However, only a minority of Member States have a dedicated national AI strategy for health. Persistent differences in the implementation of digital solutions for health point to the need for:
- sustained investment
- stronger governance
- digital literacy
- better use of data
- greater capacity.
People-centred digital solutions, if widely adopted, have the potential to help overcome these challenges. The Regional Digital Health Action Plan for the WHO European Region 2023–2030 encapsulates how WHO/Europe is supporting countries in leveraging and scaling up their digital transformation for better health and in line with their health needs, while fully respecting the values of equity, solidarity and human rights. The guiding principles of this action plan are the following:
- placing the individual at the centre of trustworthy care delivered digitally;
- understanding health system challenges, including health needs and trends, and acknowledging the needs and expectations of the public and health workers;
- recognizing the need for policy decision-making based on data, evidence and lessons learned;
- leveraging digital transformation to reimagine the future of health systems; and
- recognizing that institutionalization of digital health requires a long-term commitment and an integrated care approach.
