The future of health governance needs youth voices at the forefront

Abstract

Today's children and young people are growing up in a time of radical digital transformation, rapidly changing information ecosystems, widespread integration of digital technologies, and other social, political, and environmental shifts. By 2030, almost 40% (3·3 billion) of the world's population will be younger than 25 years. 1 UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs Population DivisionWorld population prospects. https://population.un.org/wpp/Date: 2019 Date accessed: September 30, 2021 Google Scholar As the most active users of digital technology and digital media, this generation stands to gain—or lose—the most from the digital transformations in all domains, including health. 2 Holly L Wong BLH Agrawal A et al. Opportunities and threats for adolescent well-being provided by digital transformations. Background paper for multi-stakeholder consultations on programming to promote adolescent well-being. Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, Geneva2021https://pmnch.who.int/resources/publications/m/item/opportunities-and-threats-for-adolescent-well-being-provided-by-digital-transformationsDate accessed: September 30, 2021 Google Scholar , 3 UNICEF Office of Research InnocentiGrowing up in a connected world: understanding children's risks and opportunities in a digital age. https://www.unicef-irc.org/growing-up-connectedDate: 2019 Date accessed: September 30, 2021 Google Scholar Can digital technologies improve health?If you have followed the news on digital technology and health in recent months, you will have read of a blockbuster fraud trial centred on a dubious blood-testing device, a controversial partnership between a telehealth company and a data analytics company, a social media company promising action to curb the spread of vaccine misinformation, and another addressing its role in the deteriorating mental health of young women. For proponents and critics alike, these stories encapsulate the health impact of many digital technologies, and the uncertain and often unsubstantiated position of digital technologies for health. Full-Text PDF The Lancet and Financial Times Commission on governing health futures 2030: growing up in a digital worldFrom the short-term and long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to the health insecurities brought about by climate change, health futures are unfolding in an era of accelerating economic, societal, technological, and environmental changes. Digital transformations, which we define as the multifaceted processes of integration of digital technologies and platforms into all areas of life, including health, are central to understanding—and shaping—many of these disruptive dynamics. Because large gaps remain in the current evidence base on the interface of digital technologies and health, taking a precautionary, mission-oriented, and value-based approach to its governance is crucial. Full-Text PDF