So-called “frontier technologies” offer a transformative potential towards reaching universal health coverage in low and middle income countries. This will only be achieved, though, if the technology-based solutions are scaled-up and systematically integrated into existing healthcare structures. Moreover, fundamental technical, ethical and legal questions regarding data security, fairness, non-discrimination and privacy need to be addressed. The World Health Organization (WHO) could assume a leading role in facilitating the development of a global regulatory framework.
Fondation Botnar contributes to a partnership between D-tree International and the Zanzibar Ministry of Health to support the roll out of a national digital community health system to improve maternal, newborn, and child health services in Zanzibar. Photo: © D-tree International