Developing the Investment Case for ICT in Achieving Universal Health Coverage

ICT is an important resource to support national initiatives towards universal health coverage (UHC). ICT, however, is complex and often considered an expensive investment. This session discussed ICT’s many dimensions relating to healthcare and dissected the benefits, risks, and resource decisions essential to establish a cost-effective information system for UHC.

Experience from Bangladesh: Universal Health Coverage Indicators and Digital Health Strategy

Global initiatives demonstrate the necessity of ICT in the establishment of an electronic health and social development tracking system. Recognizing ICT’s importance, the Government of Bangladesh implemented a digital health program through the Digital Bangladesh Vision 2009. A framework for monitoring universal health coverage in the country was also created.

Strengthening Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Systems: A Necessity for the Region to Overcome Socio-Economic and Health Challenges

Data on mortality and cause of death are essential especially in monitoring health trends, and are particularly relevant to the Asia and Pacific region where universal health coverage (UHC) remains an aspiration for many. Improving Civil Registration and Vital Statistics systems has become a post-2015 health and development imperative, including UHC.

Setting the Stage for Universal Health Coverage in the Post-2015 Development Agenda: Global Vision, Trends, and Monitoring and Evaluation Framework

This session held discussions on defining the context of ICT for measuring and achieving universal health coverage (UHC). A global overview of the latest policy dialogue on UHC was provided, followed by a regional and country perspective, and an outlook of a possible UHC monitoring and evaluation framework.

Opening Remarks - Conference on Measuring and Achieving Universal Health Coverage with ICT in Asia and the Pacific

ADB President Takehiko Nakao in his speech touched upon three issues: (i) why strong health systems are important for development in Asia and the Pacific; (ii) why ICT is the key to strengthening health systems; and (iii) how ADB will contribute to promoting universal health coverage in developing member countries.

Measuring and Achieving Universal Health Coverage with ICT in Asia and the Pacific

This Conference on Measuring and Achieving Universal Health Coverage with ICT in Asia and the Pacific: Strategic Investments for Evidence and Action engaged government officials from multiple sectors (health, finance, planning, statistics, ICT), development partners, and experts to pursue a policy dialogue in increasing ICT and information infrastructure investments that accelerate universal health coverage (UHC) progress in Asia and the Pacific.