WHO releases youth-centred digital health intervention guideline

The World Health Organization (WHO) unveiled the new publication titled the Youth-centred digital health interventions. This is a new framework developed by the WHO, the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), UNESCO, UNICEF, and UNFPA to provide guidance on effective planning, development, and implementation of digital solutions with and for young people to address health challenges they may face as they grow into adulthood. It includes a list of ‘do’s and don’ts’ when involving young people in the process of digital health design and delivery based on the consultation with young social media influencers, health content and intervention developers, health advocates, educators, and current or future health professionals. The new guidance notes that digital health solutions should complement and enhance existing digital and non-digital tools that are already in the system, instead of creating standalone websites and piloting SMS-based programmes that are not integrated to existing health infrastructure. The youth-centred digital health interventions is a companion to the WHO’s digital implementation investment guide (DIIG), which was released recently to help the WHO and its partners ensure that investments in digital health are effective, sustainable, and equitable, and implemented appropriately for the local context.