79th WHA Individual Statements
12.10: Harmonization of regulatory approaches, governance and standards for data, digital health and artificial intelligence in the health sector
Honourable Chairperson, esteemed delegates,
IFMSA recognises that digital transformation, without harmonised governance, risks widening disparities rather than reducing them.
Algorithmic bias, fragmented data systems, and the absence of cross-border standards continue to undermine safe, people-centred care. As future physicians, we note that digital health and AI have outpaced regulation, creating risks to patient safety and equity, especially in low-resource settings.
Furthermore, a recent IFMSA survey shows gaps in digital health education, underscoring that transformation cannot succeed without a prepared workforce.
We call on Member States to adopt enforceable global standards for AI safety, data privacy, and accountability, invest in health infrastructure and workforce, and to engage youth as co-creators, because no digital future in health should leave anyone behind.
Thank you.
Contact person: Sie Meng Lee, Liaison Officer to the World Health Organization - lwho@ifmsa.org