Area of focus

Digital health

Digital health has the power to save lives by cutting costs, speeding up treatment and increasing access to quality health care services globally.

Digital health

Facts and figures

Meeting health needs

<5.7

million deaths

are attributed to poor quality care each year in low- and middle-income countries, up to 15% of overall deaths.

>50%

of the global population

lacks access to health services.

>20%

of the population

in most Sub-Saharan countries lives over two hours away from essential health services.

Potential impacts

<15%

cost savings

across health systems in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa by investing in digital tools.

Global

health security

can be increased through digital surveillance and outbreak management.

$25

billion

in potential annual savings thanks to a reduction in hospital visits.

WHO’s role in digital health

Promoter

The World Health Organization (WHO) connects 194 countries through initiatives like the Global Digital Health Certification Network (Trust Network) to ensure secure health information sharing.

Enabler

WHO helps countries improve digital health governance by providing technical assistance and supporting policy development.

Regulator

WHO sets global standards for digital health policy and AI use in healthcare to protect patient safety and data privacy.

Learn more about WHO’s work here.