WHO welcomes IOM into the Global Digital Health Certification Network

Credit: WHO / Natschja Nash-Mendez

The World Health Organization (WHO) today welcomed the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as the first international organization to join WHO's Global Digital Health Certification Network (GDHCN), marking an important step toward strengthening secure, interoperable digital health systems that support continuity of care across borders.

By integrating IOM into the network, people on the move, who often face fragmented access to health services, will be better able to benefit from trusted digital tools that enable secure verification of health information and improved access to their own records. The collaboration also helps ensure that digital public health goods are developed in ways that serve populations in humanitarian settings, crisis contexts and low-connectivity environments.

"This partnership shows how WHO can bring countries and international partners together to build trusted digital public goods that protect people and strengthen global health security," said Dr Alain Labrique, Director, Data, Digital Health, Analytics and AI (DDA) Department. "By supporting secure, interoperable standards that safeguard privacy and dignity, the GDHCN helps ensure that digital health systems work for everyone, including the most vulnerable."

With IOM onboard, the GDHCN expands beyond its initial use in travel-related health certification during the COVID-19 pandemic toward broader humanitarian applications. The partnership demonstrates how shared digital infrastructure can help support health continuity in displacement settings and frontline environments, while strengthening preparedness and coordination across countries and sectors.

As a leading provider of health services for migrants worldwide, IOM emphasized the practical importance of secure and portable health documentation for displaced and mobile populations.

"Joining the Global Digital Health Certification Network will improve our ability to support migrants by providing them with more reliable and secure access to their health information across borders, thanks to the generous support of our donors and the cooperation of Member States and partners," said Dr Poonam Dhavan Director, Migration Health Division at IOM. "This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to strengthen continuity of care, safeguard personal data, and develop digital solutions that address real needs in humanitarian and mobility contexts."

The collaboration also highlights the role of WHO as the global convening authority for health standards and interoperable systems. By providing neutral, privacy-preserving technical norms adopted by Member States and partners, WHO helps ensure that cross-border health verification systems remain trusted, rights-based and globally accessible.

Today's announcement complements WHO's broader work to strengthen the health of refugees and migrants, as reflected in the Organization's World report on promoting the health of refugees and migrants: monitoring progress on the WHO global action plan showing that more countries are increasingly integrating refugees and migrants into national health policies and systems. Together, these efforts demonstrate how policy inclusion and trusted digital infrastructure can jointly support more resilient, equitable health systems for people on the move.