A major new report from the World Health Organisation has found that significant digital health equity gaps remain across countries, despite rapid advances in technology and widespread adoption of digital tools. Published in March 2026 by WHO’s European office, the research concludes that while digital health solutions are expanding, access to their benefits remains uneven, particularly among disadvantaged populations and lower-resourced health systems.
The report emphasises that digital transformation alone is not sufficient to deliver equitable healthcare. Instead, structural inequalities, such as limited infrastructure, low digital literacy and gaps in policy implementation will continue to shape who benefits from new technologies. This reflects a broader concern within global health policy: that digital innovation, if poorly implemented, risks reinforcing existing disparities rather than reducing them.
Barriers span infrastructure, skills and governance
According to the WHO analysis, disparities in access to reliable internet, digital devices and technical infrastructure remain a fundamental barrier in many regions. Even where digital systems exist, inconsistent implementation and fragmented governance frameworks limit their effectiveness. A key issue identified is the uneven development of digital health strategies. While many countries have adopted national plans, far fewer have established the regulatory frameworks, evaluation mechanisms and oversight structures needed to ensure equitable outcomes.
Digital literacy also continues to present a major challenge. Populations most likely to benefit from digital health—such as older people, rural communities and marginalised groups, are often those with the least access to skills and support. In addition, the report highlights persistent data gaps. In some cases, countries lack sufficient data to monitor inequalities effectively, making it harder to design targeted interventions or measure progress.
Technology risks widening, not closing, the gap
The WHO warns that without deliberate action, digital health could exacerbate inequalities. The rapid rollout of technologies such as telemedicine, electronic patient records and AI-driven tools has created new opportunities, but also new forms of exclusion.
For example, systems that rely on high-speed connectivity or advanced devices may unintentionally disadvantage those in low-income or rural settings. Similarly, poorly designed digital platforms can create usability barriers, particularly for older users or those with disabilities.
The report also points to concerns around data governance and trust. If patients are uncertain about how their data is used or protected, they may be less likely to engage with digital services—further limiting uptake among already underserved groups. Experts note that these challenges are not purely technical. They reflect broader social determinants of health, including education, income and geographic location, which continue to influence digital access and outcomes.
Clear solutions emerging, but implementation remains key
Despite the challenges, the WHO report identifies a growing consensus around how to address digital health inequities. Key recommendations include investing in digital infrastructure, improving digital literacy, and embedding equity considerations into the design and deployment of technologies. There is also increasing emphasis on inclusive design, ensuring that digital tools are developed with diverse user needs in mind, rather than retrofitting solutions after deployment. Policymakers are encouraged to prioritise interoperability, accessibility and affordability as core principles of digital health strategy.
Importantly, the WHO stresses that digital health should complement, not replace broader investment in health systems. Technologies are most effective when integrated into well-functioning services, supported by trained staff and robust governance frameworks.
For the UK and other high-income countries, the findings serve as a reminder that digital maturity does not automatically guarantee equity. Even advanced health systems must address disparities in access, skills and trust to ensure that innovation benefits all patients. As digital transformation accelerates, the challenge for policymakers and healthcare leaders will be to move beyond adoption metrics and focus on outcomes, ensuring that technology delivers on its promise of more inclusive, accessible and effective care.
