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

Area of Science:

• Child Health
• Digital Health
• Artificial Intelligence

Background:

• Climate change and noncommunicable diseases exacerbate existing child morbidity and mortality.
• Children and adolescents face evolving health challenges globally.
• Digital solutions can improve healthcare access, inclusion, and equity, particularly in remote areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the readiness for digital and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions in South Asian child health.
• To identify the necessary paradigm shift for large-scale, effective, and sustainable digital/AI implementation.

Main Methods:

• This is a commentary, not a research study.
• It involves critical analysis of the current landscape of digital health and AI in child health.
• It discusses potential barriers and enablers for scaling solutions.

Main Results:

• The readiness for widespread digital and AI adoption in child health in South Asia is uncertain.
• Current implementation often remains at the pilot stage.
• A significant paradigm shift is required for successful scaling.

Conclusions:

• South Asia needs a strategic approach to leverage digital health and AI for child health.
• Effective implementation requires moving beyond pilots to sustainable, scalable solutions.
• Addressing readiness gaps is crucial for transforming child health outcomes.