WHO and EU Partner to Advance Digital Health in Sub-Saharan Africa

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU) have signed a partnership to accelerate digital transformation of health systems in sub-Saharan Africa and expand adoption of WHO’s Global Digital Health Certification Network (GDHCN). Announced at the World Health Summit 2025, the collaboration includes an €8 million EU grant (2025–2028) to support national efforts in building interoperable, secure, and person-centered digital health systems.

The GDHCN enables countries to verify digital health credentials across borders, building on lessons from the EU Digital Covid Certificate. It also supports digitization of the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (Yellow Card), improving vaccination tracking, reducing fraud, and simplifying international health requirements.

WHO will provide technical guidance in collaboration with regional partners, including Africa CDC. The voluntary network adheres to global standards for privacy, data protection, and interoperability, fostering cross-border collaboration, strengthening health security, and supporting resilient digital health systems for the future.

20-10-2025