One world, one health : harnessing the digital economy for global health

Abstract

This policy brief proposes a transformative approach to global health based on the One Health (OH) concept, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The policy brief advocates leveraging digital tools under the concept of One Digital Health (ODH), arguing for a paradigm shift beyond traditional healthcare. However, challenges such as the digital divide, risks from datafication, and environmental impacts of frontier technologies pose obstacles. The policy brief introduces One Digital Health One World (ODHOW), a global framework that promotes digital infrastructure collaboration, communication, responsible data sharing, and digital technology deployment. ODH's potential lies in its ability to activate intersectoral collaboration to tackle current challenges, but concerted efforts are needed to bridge the digital divide, address ethical risks, and ensure sustainable digital transformation. The policy brief recommends collaboration through multistakeholder ecosystem partnerships as a promising path to sustainable digital transformation for people, animals, and the planet.