Overview
South and Southeast Asian countries are increasingly focused on utilizing technology to improve healthcare delivery and health outcomes in the region. Digital Square works in select countries to increase the use of digital technologies in healthcare, including through electronic medical records, telemedicine, and mobile health applications. These technologies have the potential to improve access to healthcare in remote and underserved areas, as well as to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery throughout the region.
We are currently piloting our first regional hub for South and Southeast Asia based in India, working closely with government leaders to identify digital health needs and supporting initiatives resulting from India's G20 Presidency. For example, creating new multi-sectoral investment strategies that incorporate public and private funds, and promoting mature digital public goods and infrastructure for health to accelerate Universal Health Care.
Highlights from the region
In India, the role of digital tools for health has dramatically increased in recent years. With funding from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Digital Square supports the Government of India, alongside many other partners, in building off that momentum to ensure digital health becomes an enabler to achieve Universal Health Care. This includes support to the National Digital Mission by developing a holistic implementation toolkit, adoption of digital tools by private and public health facilities, piloting the Total Cost of Ownership tool, and supporting the Ministry of Health with crafting a vision and framework for the use of artificial intelligence in health.
Through a partnership with the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), Digital Square has made progress toward eliminating Malaria in 27 countries including Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia. Digital Square partners with PMI through the Digital Community Health Initiative (DCHI) to implement country-specific activities guided by each country’s vision for malaria control and elimination including, Community Health Worker assessments, governance-related document development and dissemination, systems development, and tool piloting and scaling.
Thailand has achieved a high level of COVID-19 vaccine coverage, due in part to proactive governance, existing medical trust, and proliferation of easily accessible digital tools and high digital literacy. Through the Digital tools for impactful Results to Improve Vaccine Equity (DRIVE Demand) initiative, funded by The Rockefeller Foundation, Digital Square is working with the Thai Ministry of Public Health to expand vaccination reach to include vulnerable populations like those with work visas and undocumented peoples who pose a risk to herd immunity.