Prelims: Polity (Global Initiatives ), Global Initiative on Digital Health, Digital Health, WHO
Mains: General Studies-II Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Why in the News ?
Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with Indian Govt, launched the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH), a platform for sharing knowledge and digital products worldwide. This initiative constitutes one of the three priority areas outlined during India’s G20 presidency in 2023.
Source: IE
📌 FYI on Prelims:
World Health Organization (WHO)
- It is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) established in 1948. WHO is the first global health organization established in 1948, replacing many regional and national health bodies.
- HQ: Geneva, Switzerland.
- Member Countries: All Member countries of the United Nations may become members of WHO by accepting its Constitution. 194 Members of WHO are grouped according to 6 regions.
- World Health Assembly is the supreme decision-making body of WHO, attended by delegations from all member states.
- USA is currently the biggest financial contributor to the WHO, and has been its active member for many decades.
- Aim: It aims to enhance international cooperation for improved public health conditions. Each year WHO celebrates its date of establishment, April 7, 1948, as World Health Day.
- Functions: Its specific tasks include:
- Epidemic control,
- Quarantine measures,
- Drug standardization.
- Reports Published:
- World Health Report
- Global Nutrition Report
- World Vision Report
- Ambient Air Pollution Report
- World Report on Hearing
About:
- Global Initiative On Digital health:
- It is a WHO managed network aimed at implementing the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025 and other WHO standards, for digital health system transformation.
- Launched by: India in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO)
- Features- The initiative will consist of a network of networks comprising four key element:
- Country needs tracker: Helping digital health investments align with country priorities.
- Country resource portal: A map of resources available in a country.
- Transformation toolbox: For sharing quality-assured digital tools.
- Convening and Knowledge Exchange: Encouraging better collaboration and knowledge sharing among global, regional, and national digital health networks.
- Significance:
- The initiative would aid universal health convergence and improve healthcare service delivery.
- GIDH will help countries by listening to their needs, coordinating resources to prevent duplication, and offering quality-assured products.
- Digital Health:
- Digital health involves utilizing technology like mobile devices, software applications, and other digital tools to enhance health and healthcare services.
- Objective: It encompasses a wide range of technologies and platforms aimed at improving access to healthcare, enhancing the quality of care. It empowers individuals to better manage their health and wellness.
- Examples: India’s CoWIN, UNICEF’s RapidPro, and FamilyConnect.
UPSC CSE EXAMS Corner
Mains: PYQ/FAQ
Q. Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. (2018)
