|
 In a landmark moment for global health, leaders from across continents gathered today at Campus Biotech, Geneva, for the official launch of the global movement ‘Digital Health Sans Borders’ and the unveiling of the ‘Geneva Declaration of Responsibility in Digital Health.’ Recognized as a hosted side event of the World Health Assembly (WHA), this meeting is being hailed as one of the most powerful gatherings of healthcare visionaries shaping the future of equitable and technology-enabled healthcare for all. The meeting was attended by the Presidents of Federation of International Pharmacists, International Council of Nurses, International Diabetes Federation, American College of Cardiology, Global Agency for Responsible AI, WHO, UN, IGF, OECD, Commonwealth, ITU, WONCA SA, IMA, MSAI, GAIMS and other global bodies.
The event witnessed a powerful convergence of presidents of leading medical and professional associations, policymakers, technologists, public health leaders, leaders from key multi-lateral bodies, and patient representatives who reaffirmed their collective commitment to bridging the digital health divide. It was marked by a special pre-recorded message from Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasizing the urgent need for cross-border collaboration in digital health to achieve Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The launch of ‘Digital Health Sans Borders’ is a clarion call to the world – a commitment to ensure that no one, anywhere, is left behind in accessing healthcare in the digital age. The movement is rooted in the belief that while technology has made exponential strides, access to its life-saving applications remains staggeringly unequal. Millions continue to suffer and die for want of basic care, despite global overcapacity in digital tools and expertise.
“This is a global moral imperative. We are not launching a movement of machines. We are launching a movement of minds and hearts. ‘Digital Health Sans Borders’ is our promise that the next child born — in Geneva or Goma — will have the same chance to live, to heal, and be healthy. Through Digital Health Sans Borders, we are building the world’s boldest movement to democratize Digital Health, moving it from being a talk at Tech Hubs in the world capitals to delivering care to the Village Hubs in remote continents. We wish to bridge the Digital Health Divide and take the ‘Best of the World’ to the ‘Rest of the World- where vast regions of Africa, Asia, and LatinAmerica remain digitally deserted’, said Dr. Rajendra Pratap Gupta, architect of the movement and global digital health policy expert.
At the heart of the event was the Geneva Declaration of Responsibility, a historic document that sets out principles for ethical, inclusive, and accountable deployment of digital health. The Declaration calls upon governments, private sector innovators, donors, and civil society to collaborate on interoperable digital public infrastructure, cross-border data sharing frameworks, and affordable primary healthcare delivery through digital means.
Speakers emphasized the need for open standards, local capacity building, and a people-first approach to digital health. Several nations and international organizations expressed their intent to align with the movement’s objectives and the Geneva Declaration into their digital health strategies. The initiative has received overwhelming support from the global healthcare community.
The year ahead will witness formalization of the movement into a phased project, and the roll-out of programs in underserved regions, launch of the Digital Health Champions Fellowship, and formation of a Global Steering Committee to ensure sustained momentum and measurable impact.
“The Geneva gathering marks the beginning of a new era in healthcare. It is time to rewrite the story of digital health – one that transcends borders and truly puts people at the centre,” said one of the attending global leaders.
The launch was hosted by the world’s foremost think tank – Health Parliament, Academy of Digital Health Sciences, in partnership with the Geneva Digital Health Hub and the GIDH (A WHO Hosted Network). This launch was accorded the status of the recognized side event on the theme of Digital Health & AI alongside the World Health Assembly.
‘Digital Health Sans Borders’ now enters the global stage with a strong moral compass, institutional backing, and a resounding pledge: One World. One Health. One Digital Future.
|