Media Advisory

The future of digital health systems & launch of new WHO report on the state of digital health in the European Region

Joint press conference by WHO/Europe and the Government of the Republic of Portugal

Tuesday, 5 September 2023, at 1130 WEST / 1230 CEST

Together with the Government of Portugal, the WHO Regional Office for Europe is co-hosting the second WHO Symposium on the Future of Digital Health Systems in the European Region on 5–6 September, in Porto, Portugal. The symposium will bring together government representatives, key thought leaders, policy experts, academics, health-care workers, civil society representatives, professional organizations, and other partners to help shape our collective actions to achieve digital transformation of the health sector. 

Event website: ehealthresearch.no/whoisdigital2023 

WHO/Europe will also launch its landmark new report on the state of digital health across the European Region, with data from all 53 Member States. Our analysis finds that digital solutions have advanced in every country of the WHO European Region, offering opportunities for improvements in health care across the board. Yet, uneven progress means millions of people – often the most vulnerable and those with limited digital skills – are being left behind.

PANELISTS:

• Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe
• Dr Manuel Pizarro, Minister of Health, Republic of Portugal
• Professor Fernando Araújo, Executive Director, Portuguese National Health Service (SNS)

LOCATION:

• Porto Palacio Congress Centre, Av. da Boavista 1269, Porto (Room: Douro Sul)

LANGUAGE:

• Portuguese and English (interpretation available, including on Zoom)

HOW TO ATTEND:

• Journalists present in Porto are encouraged to attend in person and should email Maria Oliveira (assessor.imprensa@sns.min-saude.pt) and Bhanu Bhatnagar (bbhatnagar@who.int) to be accredited.

• Those unable to attend in person can join online via Zoom. When joining the Zoom meeting, please ensure you enter your name and media outlet in your profile. To ask a question, please write your question in the chat, alternatively click “raise hand”, and this will enter you into the pool for questions. Please make sure you have a microphone connected or active on your computer. 

CONNECTION DETAILS:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87326475900?pwd=V3QvQlY1TUVrU09mRDVXZXMxQXFSdz09

Meeting ID: 873 2647 5900

Password: 545098

PRESS CONTACTS: 

Bhanu Bhatnagar                 Ramy Srour

bbhatnagar@who.int              srourr@who.int