WASHINGTON, CMC – Japan is making a five-million-dollar contribution to enhance digital health services in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) said this is the first donation to the Pan-American Highway for Digital Health Initiative, led by the IDB, the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), and countries from the region.
The Pan-American Highway for Digital Health is focused on pandemic readiness and the continuity of healthcare, building on the advances made further during the COVID-19 pandemic. The digitization of clinical data promotes the interoperability and exchange of health information, allowing patients to access and share vital details such as vaccination status, allergies, diagnosis, or prescriptions whenever and wherever required.
The IDB said this fosters quality healthcare services by enabling health teams to make informed decisions regarding a patient’s health, consider their medical history, and optimize regional resources.
Additionally, this data can assist governments in making better decisions about the health of their population. Furthermore, the Pan-American Highway for Digital Health supports countries in joining the WHO’s Global Digital Health Certification Network, which allows for the secure verification of health information.
“The Pan-American Highway for Digital Health will allow patients to access quality healthcare services regardless of location, whether in a new city, province, or country. Japan’s status as the first official donor of this initiative will enable us to enhance public health and continuity of care in the region by facilitating reliable exchange of health information,” said IDB President Ilan Goldfajn.
Deputy Vice Minister of Finance for International Affairs in Japan, Daiho Fujii, said his country had established the Japan Special Fund (JSF) in the IDB, which has made long-term contributions to infrastructure, disaster risk management, and public health.
“This specific contribution will also be made through the JSF. Through this initiative, Japan anticipates that the promotion of data sharing through digital technologies will achieve seamless data flows across borders and, as such, help to overcome various challenges, including coordination in the region, thus delivering improved development outcomes.”
The Pan-American Highway for Digital Health supports the convergence and acceleration of country priorities at the regional level.
The IDB and PAHO are collaborating with more than 20 countries to facilitate digital transformation and enhance digital health foundations, including governance, universal connectivity, infrastructure, services, and applications for health and improved human capital.
“As we embark on a renewed digital transformation agenda for the Americas, the collaboration between PAHO and the IDB is essential to ensure cross-border interoperability,” said PAHO director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa.
“This will guarantee that every individual has access to the healthcare they need, where and when they need it, and that health systems are equipped with the necessary information to take effective actions. This initiative is more than a partnership or a regional effort; it is a foundational element for a healthier future for everyone.”
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