In May, WDF and the International Diabetes Federation organised a side event to the World Health Assembly, where leaders and experts discussed the role of digital health in improving care for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), emphasising strengthening implementation of existing technologies to benefit those in need, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
10 July 2025 Anna Thabuis
Each May, global health leaders gather in Geneva for the World Health Assembly (WHA) to shape the future of public health. This year’s gathering took place at a pivotal moment, ahead of the fourth UN High-Level Meeting on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), providing a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration.
Our WDF colleagues joined these conversations, focusing on how digital health can improve care for people living with NCDs like diabetes. From early detection to self-management and system-wide efficiencies, digital tools are opening new possibilities—especially in low-resource settings.
Digital health innovation is moving fast, but the real impact lies in how these tools are used. At WHA, the message was clear: it’s not about inventing the next big thing—it’s about making existing solutions work better for the people who need them most.
In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), digital health is more than a trend—it’s a tool for survival. These technologies are helping bridge gaps in access, enabling earlier diagnoses, and supporting patients in managing NCDs.
At the WHA side event on “Digital Health Transformation in the Global NCD Response,” co-hosted by the International Diabetes Federation and WDF, Ministry of Health representatives from Kenya, Tanzania, and Sri Lanka shared how they’re building national digital health systems. Their stories reflected real progress—and a shared commitment to improving care through innovation.
But innovation must be thoughtful. As our discussions at WHA highlighted, digital tools should simplify—not complicate—already stretched health systems. Dr Jackie Maalouf, IDF Vice-President, highlighted the need for people-centred, inclusive digital health tools and the importance of investing in digital health literacy and interoperability. On a larger scale, this also means supporting governments through their data transformation journeys, strengthening infrastructure, and aligning with local priorities.
One powerful example came from Nupur Lalvani, a person living with diabetes and founder of Blue Circle Foundation in India. For instance, they adapted communication methods, such as using voice messages for those who cannot read or write—bringing care closer to those who need it most.
While digital health holds great promise, turning that promise into real-world impact isn’t always straightforward. One of the biggest challenges? Fragmentation—too many tools, not enough coordination, and a lack of standardised and interoperable data systems.
Global stakeholders shared solutions for tackling health system issues; the focus is now on smarter implementation, integrating digital solutions into government systems, aligning partner efforts, and improving care delivery. Countries and agencies highlighted progress and strategies for scaling up successes. In his closing remarks, Dr Muneene of WHO emphasised initiatives like SMART guidelines, digital adaptation kits, and the Global Initiative on Digital Health to guide national strategies from global vision to local action.
Strong coordination is the backbone of any successful digital health strategy. Key stakeholders present at the event including ministries of health, the World Health Organization, and the Global Initiative on Digital Health— shared reflections on the importance of aligning efforts and frameworks for integrating diabetes care with broader NCD strategies.
Dr Champika Wickramasinghe, from Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health, discussed the country's progress in digital health and how these solutions support their NCD targets. At the start of their digital transformation, Sri Lanka encountered significant fragmentation due to inconsistent institutional identification systems.
This issue was addressed by introducing a unified health institution identifier and personal health number. The country now operates under a national system aimed at enhancing coordination. Through digital tools, patients are tracked from screening to diagnosis to follow-up, with their data centralised into a single platform. Streamlining these processes allows for better informed decision making and more efficient systems. But beyond systems and strategies, people must remain at the heart of digital health.
With over 73% of all NCD related deaths being in LMICs, the future lies in reaching more individuals with early detection and care, improving service delivery, and fostering integrated approaches that strengthen local health infrastructures. When digital tools are embedded into communities—not just systems—we move closer to a world where no one is left behind.