WHO adopts resolution on Digital Health proposed by India

The 71st World Health Assembly held in Geneva, Switzerland has adopted resolution on Digital Health. The resolution was initiated by India and was co-sponsored by 20 countries. The World Health Assembly is highest decision-making body of World Health Organization (WHO). Its 71st session was attended by delegations from all WHO member states.

Features of Resolution on Digital Health

It recognises huge potential of Digital health technology has for supporting Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and improving accessibility, quality and affordability of health services.
It urges WHO member states to prioritise development and greater use of digital technologies in health sector as means for advancing global health agenda and Sustainable Development Goals.
It paves way for WHO to establish global strategy on digital health, identify priority areas and engage member states to optimise their health systems in sync with global digital health agenda.
It is first step towards mainstreaming digital interventions in health sector. It includes use modern advance technologies such as deep machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT) and other emerging disciplines like genomics.
It also asks member states to identify priority areas in which they will be benefitted from WHO assistance in digital health services and applications, data security, ethical and legal issues.

World Health Organization (WHO)

WHO is  specialized agency of United Nations that acts as coordinating authority on international public health. It was established on 7 April 1948, it succeeded the Health Organization, which was an agency of the League of Nations. It is a member of UN Development Group (UNDP). It is headquartered at Geneva. WHO flag features the Rod of Asclepius as a symbol for healing.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2018