Vulcan Insight | EU and WHO partner to launch digital initiative for global health security

On 5 June, a significant collaboration in the field of digital health was unveiled by the European Commission and the World Health Organization (WHO).

In June of 2023, the WHO will adopt the EU’s digital COVID-19 certification to form a global system. This global system aims to facilitate international travel and safeguard individuals worldwide from existing and future health risks. It serves as the initial step towards the development of the WHO Global Digital Health Certification Network (GDHCN), which will create a diverse range of digital solutions to promote improved health outcomes for all.

The EU Digital COVID certificate played a vital role in Europe’s COVID-19 response, issuing over 2.3 billion certificates. It enabled safe travel for citizens, supporting the tourism industry. The certificate facilitated travel within the EU during health-related travel restrictions and coordinated their lifting. Since August 2022, there have been no intra-EU travel restrictions.

Drawing inspiration from the EU Global Health Strategy and the WHO Member States Global Strategy on Digital Health, this endeavor aligns with the agreement signed on 2 December 2022 by European Commissioner for Health, Stella Kyriakides and WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, aimed at strengthening strategic collaboration on worldwide health matters. This initiative serves to reinforce a resilient multilateral framework with the WHO as its foundation, supported by a resilient EU. Within this collaboration, there will be extensive cooperation in the advancement, administration, and execution of the WHO system, capitalizing on the European Commission’s extensive technical knowledge in this domain. A primary objective is to guarantee the continued efficient operation of the existing EU digital certificates as an initial phase.

According to the Commission press release announcing the partnership, this cooperation is based on the shared values and principles of the EU and WHO, including transparency & openness, inclusiveness, and data protection & privacy.

The Commission and WHO aim to work together with the goal of encouraging significant global uptake and participation. Special emphasis will be placed on ensuring equitable opportunities for the participation of low and middle-income countries, particularly those in greatest need.

Welcoming the news, Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, said he is  “pleased that the WHO will build on the privacy-preserving principles and cutting-edge technology of the EU certificate to create a global tool against future pandemics”.

Compliments of Vulcan Consulting – a member of the EACCNY.