Digital Transformation for Improving Child Health in South Asia: Do We Need a Reboot?

Abstract

Emerging challenges, such as climate change and noncommunicable diseases, threaten the “survive and thrive” agenda for children and adolescents. These challenges have added to the existing burden of newborn and child morbidity and mortality. Digital solutions hold promising potential to address children’s evolving health needs, especially in reaching remote areas, increasing inclusion, and ensuring equitable primary health care. This commentary raises the question, are we ready to use digital solutions and artificial intelligence to achieve transformations in child health in South Asia? If not, what is the paradigm shift required to design and implement digital and artificial intelligence solutions at-scale that are effective, sustainable, and beyond small pilots?