The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched a new virtual course titled “Youth-Centered Digital Health Interventions” to strengthen the capacity of health professionals, policymakers, youth leaders, and organizations working to improve the health and wellbeing of young people through digital technologies. The course was officially introduced during an interactive webinar that brought together experts, youth representatives, and health stakeholders from across the Americas.
The launch event emphasized the growing role of digital technologies in healthcare and the importance of ensuring that young people are actively involved in shaping digital health solutions. Members of PAHO’s Youth for Health Group facilitated discussions with health leaders and experts, creating an intergenerational dialogue focused on opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities in the digital health landscape.
A central theme of the event was the need to move beyond viewing young people solely as beneficiaries of digital health programs. Participants stressed that youth should be recognized as active contributors and co-creators of solutions. Discussions highlighted how meaningful youth engagement can improve the effectiveness, relevance, and accessibility of digital health initiatives while building trust among younger populations.
During the webinar, Jarbas Barbosa outlined the transformative potential of digital technologies in strengthening healthcare systems and expanding access to health information, support services, and specialized care. He noted that digital health tools can play a particularly important role in reaching underserved and remote communities where access to traditional healthcare services may be limited.
At the same time, participants acknowledged the risks associated with the digital environment. Concerns discussed during the event included misinformation, cyberbullying, harmful online content, data privacy issues, and unequal access to digital technologies. Speakers emphasized that maximizing the benefits of digital health requires effective governance, clear policies, and collaboration among governments, educational institutions, technology companies, healthcare providers, families, and communities.
The event also explored the importance of designing digital health interventions that address existing inequalities. Experts noted that disparities in internet connectivity, digital literacy, and access to technology continue to affect many young people throughout the region. Ensuring equitable access to digital health services was identified as a key priority for future policy and program development.
An expert panel featuring representatives from health organizations, government agencies, civil society groups, and youth networks discussed practical approaches for integrating youth perspectives into digital health initiatives. Speakers shared examples of successful projects developed with young people as active partners in the design process, demonstrating how collaborative approaches can lead to more effective and sustainable outcomes.
The newly launched course is intended to provide participants with the knowledge and tools needed to create, implement, and evaluate digital health interventions tailored to the needs of young people. The curriculum consists of six modules covering foundational concepts, evidence-based practices, digital health strategies, and practical approaches to youth engagement.
The self-paced course is available through PAHO’s Virtual Campus for Public Health and is offered in multiple languages to increase accessibility across the Americas. By making the training widely available, PAHO aims to strengthen regional capacity for developing innovative and inclusive digital health solutions.
The initiative reflects PAHO’s broader commitment to advancing digital transformation in healthcare while ensuring that young people remain at the center of policy development and program implementation. By promoting youth participation, digital inclusion, and responsible technology use, the organization seeks to support healthier, more connected, and more resilient communities throughout the region.
As digital technologies continue to reshape healthcare delivery worldwide, the course represents an important step toward equipping professionals and young leaders with the skills needed to create digital health systems that are safe, equitable, and responsive to the realities of young people’s lives.
