FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: Monday, 7th December 2020                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

The Global Digital Health Forum 2020 to Focus on Making Digital Health Work for Everyone 

Over 2000 people are expected to convene virtually for the annual Global Digital Health Forum on December 7-9, 2020. The theme for this year's Forum, Making Digital Health Work for Everyone will draw attention to the need for effective and efficient digital health for all people- especially vulnerable and underserved populations as well as those in low-resource settings.

The Forum is set to bring together digital health practitioners from across the world, including government stakeholders, digital health innovators, researchers, donors, implementers, and field experts. The Forum will feature three days of the latest evidence, experiences, and lessons learned, technology innovation, and new on-the-ground strategies to address inequalities in digital health technologies, policies, and programs. 

" I am thrilled that GDHN is going to host it's first-ever virtual Forum this year. We will have the benefit of all the aspects of the Forum that we know and love- wonderful speakers, sharing of lessons learned, time to network and meet new colleagues- with an expanded group of participants from all corners of the globe whose participation will not be hindered by travel expenses and visas," said Christina Villella, Global Digital Health Network co-chair.

" This year I am proud we embrace the conference theme with a plenary session on racial equity and inclusion, panel discussions about children with disability, autism, and digital for the elderly. We truly can make digital health more inclusive for everyone, " said Bobby Jefferson, Vice President, and Chief Technology Officer, DAI Global Health.

Digital health technologies offer the potential to accelerate health outcomes. However, we still need to solve long-term challenges that undermine equitable, accessible, and inclusive healthcare to build an effective digital health ecosystem that addresses health.

" Digital health solutions must work and benefit all, including for young people's health and wellbeing; at the same time, we also need to make sure that technologies are safe and protect our collective interests and rights. The Global Digital Health Forum 2020 provides an opportunity to make progress on these priorities to ensure health for all in the digital age," said Stefan Germann, Chief Executive Officer, Fondation Botnar.

"Amidst the plenitude of digital health pilots, tools, frameworks, playbooks, and success stories we often miss what did not work. I find the Global Digital Health Forum (GDHF) to be a potpourri that brings a wide spectrum of digital health actors from aspirants to achievers, students to stalwarts, policymakers to practitioners, national professional societies to regional networks all together for opportunities not only to share the know-hows but also to learn from the know-how-nots," said Jai Ganesh Udayasankaran, Governing Committee, Asia eHealth Information Network (AeHIN).

The Global Digital Health Forum organizers note that people from under-served populations such as women and young people will play a pivotal role at the Forum by putting them at the center of digital health transformation.

"The current pandemic reinforces the importance of universal health coverage globally. Imagine a world where young people are able to access healthcare just as easily as accessing social media. As key stakeholders in the online world, young persons can gain much from the use of digital tools to address health challenges. These tools offer an opportunity to bridge the gaps and increase access to trusted primary healthcare services for our youth population. Let's meet young people where they are and engage them in these matters that are most critical to their wellbeing," said Danielle Mullings, Youth Expert, Tech 4 Health.

Speakers will include thought leaders from health ministries, funders, implementing organizations, and academic

institutions from around the world. The program will feature among other sessions:

• Keynote Address: Dr. S. Roger Kamba, Special Advisor to the Head of State, in charge of Universal Health Coverage & Coordinator of the Presidential Covid-19 Task Force, the Democratic Republic of the Congo will open the meeting with remarks detailing how digital health is accelerating universal health coverage.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Digital Health: This session will address key international development issues facing the digital community, including the importance of supporting and achieving racial equity
• and inclusive development in technology.
• Making Digital Health Technologies the work for Young People: This session will showcase digital health technologies increasing access to healthcare services among young people. This is important because
• young people are major consumers of digital technology and seek the opportunities that technology provides for their health and wellbeing.

Media Contacts: Please contact the Global Digital Health Network Co-Chairs, Christina Villella (email: christina_villella@jsi.com), Lauren Wall (email: lauren@globaldigitalhealthnetwork.org)

About the Global Digital Health Network: 

The Global Digital Health Network, formerly the mHealth Working Group created in 2009 by global health organizations for global health organizations, is a 4000+ person-strong networking forum for members from over 70 countries to share information, engage with the broader community and provide leadership in digital health for global public health. The Network provides leadership in digital health (mHealth, eHealth, and ICTs) and offers a collaborative gathering space for members to share perspectives, resources, and practical guidance related to implementation across a range of technical areas.

Join the Conversation: Get the latest updates and share your thoughts and ideas through The Global Digital Health Network social media channels.

• Tweet along with us @The_GDHN using #GDHF2020 to keep the conversation going.
• Use #GDHF2020 on LinkedIn – and stay in touch with the latest updates and developments.
• Find out more about the Forum at bit.ly/GDHF2020

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