The international conference TeleHealth Connect 2026 kicked off in Tunis on September 29, 2026, with participants adopting the Tunis Declaration. This declaration emphasizes the importance of placing patients at the heart of digital health transformation while ensuring equity, data security, and sovereignty. The conference, which runs until October 1, brings together experts and representatives from around 35 countries across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and the United States.
The Tunis Declaration highlights the potential of telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies to improve access to healthcare, quality, and continuity, as well as the efficiency of health systems. However, it also stresses the need for development based on ethical, inclusive, and secure principles, respecting national sovereignty. The declaration calls for the development of accessible digital solutions that meet the needs of patients and healthcare professionals, contributing to universal health coverage.
A key aspect of the declaration is the protection of health data, ensuring confidentiality, security, and responsible governance, in accordance with national legislation and international cooperation. Cybersecurity is also emphasized as a crucial component of healthcare security, with a focus on strengthening prevention, detection, and response to cyber threats, as well as the resilience of health systems. This approach aims to safeguard sensitive patient information and prevent data breaches.
The declaration advocates for responsible artificial intelligence, subject to clinical validation, and based on transparency, equity, and accountability. It also promotes interoperable information systems, built on open standards, and adapted to the capacities and regulatory frameworks of each country. This would facilitate the sharing of health information and enhance the overall efficiency of healthcare services.
Furthermore, the declaration underscores the importance of developing the digital skills of healthcare professionals and strengthening training, research, and innovation. It encourages partnerships between the public sector, universities, and the private sector to drive progress in digital health. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, the declaration aims to accelerate the adoption of digital health solutions.
The Tunis Declaration also calls for strengthened cooperation between Africa, the Arab world, the Mediterranean region, and their partners, through knowledge sharing, joint research, and technology transfer. This cooperation is seen as essential for addressing common health challenges and promoting equitable access to healthcare. By working together, countries can leverage each other's expertise and resources to improve health outcomes.
The conference continues with the participation of experts and representatives from various countries, discussing the implementation of the Tunis Declaration and its implications for digital health transformation. The adoption of this declaration marks a significant step towards harnessing the potential of digital technologies to improve healthcare, with a focus on patient-centered, equitable, and secure solutions.
Key points
- The Tunis Declaration emphasizes patient-centered digital health transformation, ensuring equity, data security, and sovereignty.
- The declaration advocates for responsible artificial intelligence, interoperable information systems, and strengthened cybersecurity.
- The conference promotes cooperation between Africa, the Arab world, the Mediterranean region, and their partners to drive progress in digital health.
