Digital health equity is about providing equitable access to, adoption of, and utilisation of health care technologies and services for all populations, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, gender, or age.

Digital health has the potential to improve health outcomes and wellbeing for all individuals, communities, and populations. What we know is we need to first improve digital inclusion. This requires involving Pacific communities who experience this first-hand and addressing the root causes of digital inequity through bottom-up planning and collaboration.

Health literacy, digital literacy, and affordability are key aspects of digital health equity, as are disparities in access to internet connectivity, devices, online resources, and information. Despite the promise of digital health, it must be accessible and inclusive for everyone to transform healthcare delivery and empower individuals to manage their own health.

Achieving digital health equity is essential for reducing health disparities, improving healthcare outcomes, and promoting health equity in the digital age. It is this reason our DIGIFALE programme focuses specifically on the health and wellbeing of Pacific communities who have experienced entrenched health inequities over several decades.

While the technology can provide benefits, it is the context in which the technology is implemented and skills which the implementation is conducted that realises the benefits. Hence the importance of partnering with Pacific families, elders, and communities.