Digital health innovations for equitable public health delivery in low- and middle-income countries
1
Public Health, University of Rwanda, Kigali city, Rwanda
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A798
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
digital health has become a key enabler of public health system strengthening, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. tools such as mobile health, telemedicine, and digital health information systems are increasingly used to improve access, efficiency, and disease surveillance. however, unequal digital infrastructure and capacity gaps raise concerns about equity and sustainability. this review examines the contribution of digital health interventions to equitable public health delivery.
METHODS:
a narrative review of peer-reviewed articles and global public health reports published between 2015 and 2025 was conducted. sources included pubmed, who publications, and world bank reports. studies addressing digital health implementation, health system performance, and equity outcomes in low- and middle-income countries were thematically synthesized.
RESULTS:
evidence indicates substantial adoption of digital public health tools. the district health information software 2 (DHIS2) is implemented at national or subnational level in more than 70 countries, supporting routine health data reporting and outbreak surveillance. systematic reviews show that mobile health interventions increased attendance at antenatal care visits by approximately 10 to 30 percent and improved treatment adherence for chronic conditions. digital surveillance platforms have enhanced antimicrobial resistance reporting by improving data timeliness and completeness across laboratory networks. however, disparities persist, as limited internet connectivity, digital literacy gaps, and insufficient financing restrict access for rural and marginalized populations. only a minority of digital health interventions have undergone rigorous impact evaluation in low-resource settings.
CONCLUSIONS:
digital health interventions demonstrate clear potential to advance equity, inclusion, and sustainability in public health systems. to achieve health without borders, digital health strategies must prioritize inclusive design, workforce capacity building, and integration into national health systems, ensuring benefits reach underserved populations.
digital health has become a key enabler of public health system strengthening, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. tools such as mobile health, telemedicine, and digital health information systems are increasingly used to improve access, efficiency, and disease surveillance. however, unequal digital infrastructure and capacity gaps raise concerns about equity and sustainability. this review examines the contribution of digital health interventions to equitable public health delivery.
METHODS:
a narrative review of peer-reviewed articles and global public health reports published between 2015 and 2025 was conducted. sources included pubmed, who publications, and world bank reports. studies addressing digital health implementation, health system performance, and equity outcomes in low- and middle-income countries were thematically synthesized.
RESULTS:
evidence indicates substantial adoption of digital public health tools. the district health information software 2 (DHIS2) is implemented at national or subnational level in more than 70 countries, supporting routine health data reporting and outbreak surveillance. systematic reviews show that mobile health interventions increased attendance at antenatal care visits by approximately 10 to 30 percent and improved treatment adherence for chronic conditions. digital surveillance platforms have enhanced antimicrobial resistance reporting by improving data timeliness and completeness across laboratory networks. however, disparities persist, as limited internet connectivity, digital literacy gaps, and insufficient financing restrict access for rural and marginalized populations. only a minority of digital health interventions have undergone rigorous impact evaluation in low-resource settings.
CONCLUSIONS:
digital health interventions demonstrate clear potential to advance equity, inclusion, and sustainability in public health systems. to achieve health without borders, digital health strategies must prioritize inclusive design, workforce capacity building, and integration into national health systems, ensuring benefits reach underserved populations.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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