Digital health is rapidly evolving in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, with countries at different stages of development and readiness.
The report presents a snapshot of digital health readiness, use cases, and governance frameworks across 22 EMR countries. It builds on WHO’s Global Digital Health Strategy, aligning with EMR-specific challenges such as conflict settings, migration, and digital divides. Emphasis is placed on whole-of-government approaches and regional cooperation.
Countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) are making significant digital health investments, but face challenges in governance, infrastructure, and workforce requiring collaborative regional strategies to scale digital health sustainably.
Key Themes:
Digital health maturity mapping across EMR countries
Barriers to digital transformation: Infrastructure, data governance, leadership
Opportunities for scaling innovations: ePrescription, telehealth, health data platforms
Capacity development: Digital literacy, regulatory frameworks, workforce training
Interoperability challenges across fragmented health systems
Health equity & fragility: Implications of digital divides in fragile/conflict-affected settings
Call for a unified regional vision and strategy