Digital technologies can be a key driver towards Universal Health Coverage and health equity, yet much remains to be done to achieve these goals. The noticeable urgency to collaborate across borders and across sectors for common digital solutions among all stakeholders while acknowledging the need for interoperability and data privacy was a key result of the WHS Global Health Dialogue on “Harnessing the Power of Digital Technologies for Health”.

Since digital technologies are transforming health care to an unprecedented extent and the power of digital technologies is becoming increasingly relevant in health systems worldwide, the World Health Summit invited high-level speakers and guests from politics, civil society, industry, and academia to discuss various aspects relating to digital health.

Voices

"The opportunity cost of not using data is far too high."
Thomas Renner
Subdivision Head, Digital & Innovation, Ministry of Health, Germany

"Whatever new things we bring in, we always have to be respectful towards the things that exist already, even if they do not work particularly well."
Chikwe Ihekweazu
Assistant Director-General, Division of Health Emergency Intelligence and Surveillance Systems, World Health Organization (WHO)

"The World Health Summit is, next to the World Health Assembly, the most important gathering in the year where public and private sectors come together."
Götz Gottschalk
Head of Health, YouTube Germany

"Political will is key. Political will comes to what is the priority. Political will has to be supported by enabling policies." 
Igor Cesar
Ambassador, Embassy of Rwanda, Germany