WHO Launches Initiative to Transition ASEAN Nations to Digital Health Wallets
The World Health Organization (WHO), in partnership with the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research and the Temasek Foundation, has launched a three-year initiative to help Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) transition from paper-based health records to secure, interoperable digital health wallets (DHWs).1 This program aims to strengthen national health systems, improve continuity of care, and ensure individuals have trusted, portable access to their essential health information.
Addressing the Limitations of Paper-Based Records
The initiative addresses critical shortcomings of traditional paper-based health records, which are often vulnerable to loss, damage, or forgery. 3 Digital health wallets offer a secure, verifiable, and portable alternative, allowing individuals to carry their health records with them across borders and between healthcare providers.
Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the urgent demand for reliable and verifiable digital health documentation. 1 The initiative builds on these lessons, aligning with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2025), which call for globally recognized digital health certificates.
Key Features of the Digital Health Wallets
The digital health wallets will utilize cryptographic verification through the WHO Global Digital Health Certification Network, ensuring records are secure and interoperable. 1 Participating countries will initially focus on Digital International Certificates of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, before expanding to include routine immunization, maternal and child health registries, and broader personal health summaries.
A Comprehensive Approach to Implementation
The program adopts a comprehensive approach, providing technical guidance, shared public digital infrastructure, capacity building, and targeted implementation support. 1 Each participating country will also conduct policy and implementation research to strengthen national capacity and promote regional learning.
Global Guidance and Wider Adoption
WHO will develop global guidance to assist other countries in adopting secure, standards-based digital health wallets, contributing to stronger and more resilient health systems worldwide. 1
Brazil’s SUS Digital as a Model
The initiative draws inspiration from successful digital health implementations like Brazil’s SUS Digital (Meu SUS Digital), which concentrates patient health information in a single digital environment, expanding access to health services and integrating care across the country. 3 The Brazilian program has seen a 50.6% increase in digital health budget allocation between 2013 and 2023, demonstrating a growing commitment to digital transformation in healthcare. 3
“The COVID-19 pandemic showed how vital it is for health records to be trusted, verifiable and able to travel with people across borders,” said Mr Kee Kirk Chuen, Head of Health & Well-being at the Temasek Foundation. 1