WSO supports WHO Global Strategy on Digital Health

12 Feb 2020

This statement is delivered on behalf the World Heart Federation, International Council of Nurses, International Diabetes Federation, International Society of Nephrology, World Hypertension League, and World Stroke Organization at the 146th Session of the World Health Organization Executive Board, February 2020, Geneva

As members of the Global Coalition for Circulatory Health, we commend the leadership role that the WHO has established for itself in the field of digital health and welcome the Secretariat’s timely Global Strategy on Digital Health.

Circulatory diseases are the world’s number one cause of disability and mortality. Global ageing trends will only increase the risks of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and additional comorbidities. Digital health technologies hold the potential to improve prevention, diagnostics and care for those living with circulatory diseases, provided that the principles of patient care, health equity between and within countries and data protection guide their implementation.

The 2019 Global Summit on Circulatory Health convened more than 100 thought leaders and changemakers in health, technology, policymaking, academia and civil society. They called for equitable and patient-centered digital health frameworks, adapted to the country context, built on principles of data privacy and health equality, and supported by closer collaboration between all areas of government, healthcare professionals, industry, tech and patient organizations.

We pledge to support you within the established five-year time frame by working closely with the WHO and Member States, as well as all relevant stakeholders, to build and critically engage with the evidence base on digital health, share best practices to better manage circulatory health using digital health tools, and identify country champions.

It’s up to all of us to make this happen.

Digital Stroke Risk Assessment Tool