The "Tunis Declaration for a Fair, Safe, Sovereign, and Human-Centered Digital Health Transition" was issued by participants at the TeleHealth Connect 2026 conference in Tunisia. The declaration outlines principles and directions to support digital transformation in healthcare. It acknowledges that digital transformation, telemedicine, and artificial intelligence offer promising opportunities to improve access to healthcare, enhance quality, and strengthen health systems.
The conference, which took place from September 29 to October 1, 2026, brought together experts and representatives from nearly 35 countries and international organizations. Participants emphasized that digital health developments can only achieve their full potential if developed and adopted within a comprehensive, ethical, and secure framework that respects national sovereignty. They also stressed the importance of prioritizing patients and promoting equity in digital health solutions.
The declaration calls for the development of inclusive and accessible solutions that respond to the needs of individuals and healthcare professionals, contributing to universal health coverage. Participants also highlighted the need to protect health data, ensure cybersecurity, and promote responsible governance, in accordance with national legislation and international cooperation. They emphasized that cybersecurity is a critical component of healthcare safety.
The conference participants also emphasized the importance of investing in healthcare workers by enhancing digital skills, education, training, research, and innovation. They encouraged partnerships between public institutions, universities, and the private sector. The declaration also calls for international cooperation, particularly between Africa, the Arab world, the Mediterranean region, and their partners.
Participants stressed the need to translate these principles into concrete actions by promoting initiatives in telemedicine, artificial intelligence, interoperability, cybersecurity, and digital skills. They also emphasized the importance of establishing suitable mechanisms to monitor progress and evaluate results. The digital health transformation in Tunisia and beyond should prioritize human-centered, inclusive, and responsible governance.
The TeleHealth Connect 2026 conference aimed to explore ways to develop digital health and telemedicine, expanding access to healthcare services. The event built on previous initiatives, such as the national campaign for breast cancer screening, which saw significant participation. Tunisia's healthcare sector continues to make strides, including a recent medical breakthrough at the Sidi Bouzid Regional Hospital.
As the conference concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to building a digital health system that promotes equity, security, sovereignty, and human dignity. They expressed their aspirations for a future of digital health that transcends borders while respecting national sovereignty, sharing innovation, and protecting health data. The outcome of the conference is expected to drive progress in digital health, ultimately enhancing healthcare services for all.
Key points
- The TeleHealth Connect 2026 conference in Tunisia emphasized the need for a human-centered digital health transformation.
- The conference called for prioritizing patients, equity, and cybersecurity in digital health solutions.
- The outcome of the conference is expected to drive progress in digital health, ultimately enhancing healthcare services for all.
