Faced with global health challenges, theWorld Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union have decided to work together to set up a digital certificate to facilitate international travel. This global health pass, based on the European model, will also enable a rapid response in the event of new epidemics.
A tool based on the EU certificate
The French EU Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, said: "I'm delighted that WHO is building on the privacy principles and cutting-edge technology of the EU certificate to create a global tool against future pandemics.". The aim of this partnership is to develop a simple, harmonized tool to meet global health challenges. However, it is important to note that the widespread introduction of such a global digital certificate cannot be imposed by the WHO, which must obtain the agreement of its member states.
Global digital health certification under construction
This health pass will be an integral part of the WHO global digital health certification networkThe aim is to develop a range of digital products to improve health for all. In particular, WHO plans to establish standards and validate digital signatures to prevent fraud.
An ambition supported by the experience of the European Union
The global health pass system will build on the experience and success of the European Union with its own digital COVID certificate. This has already facilitated travel within the Schengen area and coordinated health measures between member countries. The introduction of such a system on a global scale could thus encourage greater cooperation between countries in the fight against pandemics and other health threats.
The role of digital health in health crisis management
The COVID-19 crisis demonstrated the importance of digital health as a solution to the challenges facing healthcare systems. With this in mind, the World Health Organization intends to develop a global health pass inspired by the European model. According to Dr Tayeb Hamdi, a physician and researcher in health policy and systems, this initiative is part of the global trend towards the expansion of digital health, which is now seen as a perfect solution to the challenges facing health systems, particularly in the event of a health crisis.
The #EUDigitalCOVIDCertificate opened up societies and economies in the uncertainty of the pandemic.
Today an 🇪🇺 success story becomes a 🌍 standard.
Working with @WHO, the system will be scaled up at global level to deliver better digital health services for all.#HealthUnion pic.twitter.com/CLLLIbYx06
- Stella Kyriakides (@SKyriakidesEU) June 5, 2023
A historic partnership to strengthen global health safety
WHO and the European Union signed an historic partnership agreement on Monday to launch this global digital certification system. WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesusand the European Commissioner for Health, Stella Kyriakideswere present at the signing ceremony in Geneva. This partnership aims to protect citizens worldwide against health threats, including pandemics, and to facilitate international mobility through the development of innovative digital solutions.
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