Discover how the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Union (EU) join forces to launch a digital health certificate, benefiting Nigeria and other countries.
This collaboration, rooted in European best practices, aims to enhance global digital health standards and interoperability, prioritizing those most in need.
The partnership focuses on promptly and efficiently providing quality health services worldwide.
Introducing a groundbreaking advancement in worldwide healthcare – the debut of the Digital Health Certificate by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU).
This exciting development serves as an example of international collaboration at its finest, adopting European best practices to improve digital health standards and interoperability across the globe, all for the benefit of those most in need.
But how exactly does this initiative work, and why is it crucial for countries like Nigeria? Let’s dive in and find out!
Understanding the Concept of the Digital Health Certificate
The Digital Health Certificate stems from the WHO Global Digital Health Certification Network (GDHCN).
It is a significant partnership between the WHO and the EU, geared towards the delivery of quality health services to people worldwide promptly and efficiently. This partnership marks a critical milestone in the EU Global Health Strategy’s digital action plan.
By leveraging European best practices, we enhance global digital health standards and interoperability, ultimately benefiting those who are most vulnerable.” – Stella Kyriakides,
Commissioner for Health and Food Safety.
The initiative involves close collaboration in the development, management, and implementation of the WHO GDHCN system, leveraging the European Commission’s robust technical expertise in this domain.
The primary step revolves around ensuring the continued effective functioning of the current EU digital certificates.
The Dawn of a Global Health System
In June 2023, the WHO will adopt the EU system of digital COVID-19 certification to establish a global health system.
This system aims to facilitate international mobility while safeguarding individuals worldwide from ongoing and future health threats, including pandemics.
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, emphasized the aim of the new digital health products under development, which is to provide quality health services promptly and efficiently to people worldwide.
The WHO intends to give all its Member States access to an open-source digital health tool.
This tool is designed to uphold the principles of equity, innovation, transparency, and data protection.
Embracing the EU Digital Certificate in the Fight Against Pandemics
This initiative ties in with the EU and WHO Global Health Strategy on digital health, following the agreement reached on November 30, 2022.
Both organizations are committed to strengthening their strategic cooperation on global health matters, reinforcing a robust multilateral system with the WHO at its core, and backed by a strong EU.
Thierry Breton, the Commissioner for Internal Market, emphasized that the EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate has established a global benchmark by connecting with 80 countries and territories.
The EU certificate has played a critical role in combating the pandemic and facilitating international travel and tourism.
The WHO aims to enhance the privacy-focused principles and state-of-the-art technology utilized in the EU certificate to develop a global tool for combating future pandemics.
The EU Digital COVID Certificate: A Key Component in the Fight Against COVID-19
Digital COVID certificates have been an integral part of the European Union’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
The EU quickly implemented interoperable COVID-19 certificates, called the ‘EU Digital COVID Certificate’ or ‘EU DCC,’ to enable seamless travel within its borders.
The EU DCC, backed by open-source technologies and standards, allowed for the integration of non-EU countries issuing certificates according to its specifications, becoming the most widely adopted solution worldwide.
In essence, the Digital Health Certificate is a giant leap forward in the battle against pandemics, and a powerful tool for ensuring global health security.
As the WHO and EU join forces to streamline health services delivery, countries like Nigeria stand to benefit immensely.
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FAQs
What is the WHO Global Digital Health Certification Network (GDHCN)?
The WHO GDHCN is a system born out of a partnership between the WHO and the EU that aims to deliver quality health services to people worldwide promptly and efficiently.
What are the principles guiding the new digital health products under development?
The new digital health products under development are guided by the principles of equity, innovation, transparency, and data protection.
What role has the EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate played in combating the pandemic?
The EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate has played a vital role in combating the pandemic and facilitating global travel and tourism.
How many countries and territories have adopted the EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate?
The EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate has been adopted by 80 countries and territories, setting a global standard.
How does the Digital Health Certificate benefit countries like Nigeria?
The Digital Health Certificate will enable countries like Nigeria to provide quality health services to their citizens promptly and efficiently, thereby enhancing their global health security