Thank you for joining the ECOSOC Youth Forum #SDG3 Plenary : Safeguarding youth health in a digital world. Please note that the discussion room will be open from April 1st to 7th. In the meantime, please read the short introduction on the background and purpose of this conversation and familiarize yourself with the platform.
Guiding Questions
Week 2 | 1st - 9th April
Moderators
- Rewan Youssif (UNFPA) [email protected]
- Bhavya Nandini (WHO) [email protected]
- Alicia Sanchez (UNAIDS) [email protected]
- Sonja Caffee (PAHO) [email protected]
- Carlotta Carboni (Euronet MRPH, WHO Youth Council [email protected]
- Danielle Mullings (DTH-Lab) [email protected]
- Rehman Hassan (WHO Youth Council, Act4Food)
[email protected] - Imane Lakbachi (WHO Youth Council, Digital Health Labs)
[email protected] - Kunda Mwitwa (WHO Youth Council, Grassroot Soccer)
[email protected]
Comments (15)
Hello everyone,
I’m Imane Lakbachi, the Focal point of the Digital Transformations for Health Lab to the WHO Youth Council. I’m excited to moderate this discussion and hear your insights on how digital health can be more inclusive, equitable, and empowering for marginalized youth.
As digital health solutions become more widespread, we must ensure they work for all young people—especially those who face systemic barriers to accessing care. This discussion will explore key challenges and opportunities in making digital health work for marginalized youth.
Here are some guiding questions to reflect on and discuss:
🔹 How can we ensure that digital health solutions reach marginalized youth without exacerbating health inequities?
🔹 What measures should be in place to ensure health data privacy, consent, and confidentiality?
🔹 How can digital spaces be designed to empower marginalized youth, especially young women and LGBTQ+ individuals?
I look forward to your thoughts, experiences, and recommendations!
Thank you Imane Lakbachi, for opening this discussion session, in my perspective regarding questions 1 and 2 which relate to access issues in digitalised health, it is important that we embrace the notion of ‘no one left behind’.
To ensure that digital health solutions reach marginalised youth without exacerbating health disparities, an inclusive approach is needed that considers accessibility and affordability of technology. This can be seen from the accessibility that is primary for them to be able to reach it first, this solution can relate to those who have limited internet access or digital devices, for example by providing SMS-based services or platforms that can be accessed easily without charging in data usage or others. In addition, services should be available in multiple languages and designed with the needs of vulnerable groups in mind, including young people with disabilities or from minority communities. Partnerships with local and community organisations are also important to reach the underserved and build trust in digital health services.
Next, in ensuring privacy, consent, and confidentiality of health data, there is a lot of mistrust in health data storage, several important sectors need to increase public trust, in this case in line with several steps that can be implemented. Firstly, privacy policies should be transparent, easy to understand, and accessible especially to user, so that they know how their data is being used. Second, a clear and systematised consent system should be put in place, ensuring that users have control over their data and understand the consequences of sharing health information digitally (especially concerns on data privacy and ‘what happens if this data is leaked’). Thirdly, encryption and data protection should be prioritised in any health technology solution to prevent data breaches. In addition, there needs to be strict regulations that ensure that data is not misused by third parties, as well as a complaint mechanism that allows users to easily report privacy breaches. With these measures, it's expected that digital health solutions can be an effective and safe tool for young people or minorities without exacerbating existing health inequalities✨️
Saptarini
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and comprehensive response! 🙏🏽✨
I couldn’t agree more with your point about embracing a "no one left behind" approach. I really appreciate how you emphasized the importance of accessibility—especially for youth with limited internet access or digital tools. SMS-based solutions and zero-rated platforms are excellent examples of how we can bridge digital divides in practical ways. I also loved your emphasis on multilingual and inclusive design—so often, that’s overlooked in digital health innovation.
Your reflections on privacy, consent, and data trust are also incredibly valuable. Transparency, user-friendly privacy policies, and robust encryption should absolutely be non-negotiables in any youth-focused digital health system. I especially resonate with the need for clear complaint mechanisms and strong regulatory oversight—these are often missing, and their absence can discourage youth from engaging with digital services altogether.
Thanks again for sharing such actionable insights! I’d love to hear if you’ve come across any promising examples or case studies that are already doing some of what you described—always good to learn from what’s working too.
Looking forward to continuing the conversation!
Hi Everyone,
This is Rewan Youssif, the Technical Analyst on Youth Policy, Participation and Leadership at UNFPA HQ. I am happy to be joining this conversation and looking forward to hearing your insights on the below questions
Hi everyone, I am Bhavya Nandini, Youth Coordinator at the Partnership for Maternla Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH). I will be co-moderating this session. Looking forward to your thoughts and insights!
How can I join?
Hi! 👋🏽 Thanks for your interest! You’re more than welcome to join the conversation by sharing your thoughts on any of the questions I posed above, such as:
🔹 How can we ensure that digital health solutions reach marginalized youth without worsening health inequities?
🔹 What measures should be in place to ensure health data privacy, consent, and confidentiality?
🔹 How can digital spaces be designed to empower marginalized youth, especially young women and LGBTQ+ individuals?
Looking forward to hearing your insights! 💬
Hi Everyone! It's the Childhood Cancer International Asia Survivors Network Working Group again. This time, we would like to share the preferences of young people with cancer experiences in using social media.
Sazkia Gabriella (Indonesia)
Survivors love having safe, supportive spaces where they can connect with others who truly get them. They look for trusted platforms that share accurate health info, mental health support, and inspiring survivor stories. Things like Q&A sessions with doctors, webinars, and fun, easy-to-understand content (like videos and infographics) make it easier to stay informed and feel less alone.
Heeseung Cho (South Korea)
Childhood cancer survivors often find it difficult to find people around them who share similar experiences. In this regard, social media can serve as a platform to connect with peers who have had similar experiences. From a developmental psychology perspective, children who have experienced cancer face differences in their experiences, such as school attendance restrictions during treatment, compared to healthy peers. This results in a need for additional time to progress to the next developmental stage. Through communication with peers who share similar experiences, they can establish a foundation that helps them transition to the next stage in their development. I think this is why childhood cancer survivors strive to maintain connections with their peer.
Patrick Yip (Hong Kong)
While childhood cancer survivors enjoy using social media like other young people, they do not consider it a primary source for obtaining important health-related information. In 2022-2023, the CCI Asia Survivors Network conducted a study with 297 childhood cancer survivors in Asia focusing on the late effects of cancer treatments, a key area of concern for this specific group. The study received a substantial number of responses from low- and middle-income countries, accounting for approximately 88%.
When asked about their preferred channels for obtaining information related to late effects and health tips, only 18% of respondents indicated a preference for social media. In fact, only around 20% favored electronic means (including social media, email, and mobile applications). Instead, nearly half (49%) preferred to receive information through survivor meetings, where they can ask questions and connect with peers and medical professionals. The next most popular formats for information were face-to-face consultations with medical professionals (47%) and health seminars (40%).
While social media platforms are popular for social interaction and community support, childhood cancer survivors consciously differentiate between casual engagement and the serious need for trustworthy health information. Many recognize the importance of social media in fostering connections and sharing experiences, yet they tend to prioritize direct, personal interactions and credible resources for health-related concerns. This suggests that while digital health solutions can serve as valuable tools for community building and awareness, survivors may require more substantial and reliable sources of information to effectively manage their health situations. Ultimately, a balanced approach that integrates social media with direct support from medical professionals and survivor communities may enhance the overall effectiveness of health communication for childhood cancer survivors.
(The Childhood Cancer International Asia Survivors Network Working Group is a steering committee of the survivors' network within the Asian branch of Childhood Cancer International, the largest patient support organization for childhood cancer. The Working Group's mission is to create a supportive and resourceful environment where childhood cancer survivors feel seen, heard, and valued. We also aim to amplify the voices of childhood cancer survivors, address local, regional, and global challenges, empower them to live fulfilling lives, and celebrate their unique journeys.)
Thank you so much for sharing these deeply insightful reflections.
I really appreciate the nuanced perspective on how childhood cancer survivors engage with social media—not just as a tool for connection, but also the thoughtful distinction between platforms for community-building versus trustworthy health information. This kind of insight is so valuable in digital health discussions.
As we work to co-design more inclusive and equitable digital health spaces, your contribution emphasizes that blended approaches—integrating both digital and in-person formats—may be the most effective. Survivors are the experts of their own experiences, and your work is such a strong example of centering those voices in meaningful ways.
Thank you again for all that you do to amplify survivor voices and build supportive environments across Asia. 💛 Looking forward to continuing this important exchange!
Hi everyone!👋 I am Pongpipat Meekaew, a pharmacy student from Thailand🇹🇭. I am interested in how we can ensure that digital health solutions reach marginalized youth without exacerbating health inequities. Following these several key strategies🔑:
Expanding access to digital health infrastructure🛜:
Programs like Alphabet Inc.'s Loon, which used high-altitude balloons🎈 to provide internet connectivity to remote areas🧑💻, along with various government initiatives offering free public Wi-Fi, have proven effective in bridging the digital divide💻. According to the International Telecommunication Union (2020), these efforts have made a measurable difference in expanding internet access, particularly in underserved regions💪.
Promoting culturally and linguistically inclusive digital health solutions🗣️:
Digital health platforms work best when they are accessible to everyone. This means offering multilingual options and tailoring content to be culturally sensitive. Research by Barrera et al. (2017) highlighted that when interventions are culturally relevant, they see a significant boost in user engagement and are more effective across diverse communities.
Strengthening digital health education and literacy📱🧑🎓:
Community-based training programs, along with integrating digital health literacy into school curricula📚, play a critical role in empowering youth from marginalized backgrounds. As Norman and Skinner (2006) pointed out, digital literacy is now a fundamental skill for navigating the vast amounts of health information available today.
Ensuring data privacy and ethical AI use🤖👍:
With the increasing role of AI in healthcare, it's vital to prioritize both ethical AI use and data privacy. Research by Obermeyer et al. (2019) pointed out that biased algorithms can unintentionally deepen health disparities. This emphasizes the need for transparent, accountable AI systems that work for everyone.
Implementing telepharmacy services💊📞:
Telepharmacy is an effective solution for providing pharmaceutical care, especially in underserved areas. Poudel and Nissen (2016) discussed how virtual consultations with pharmacists are breaking down geographic barriers⛰️, making medication counseling and health education more accessible to those who need it most.
Engaging marginalized youth in co-designing digital solutions👬:
Involving youth, especially from marginalized communities, in the design of digital health solutions ensures these tools are more relevant and user-friendly. Wong et al. (2019) showed that participatory design models help build trust and improve the usability of digital platforms among diverse groups.
Conclusion🔐: To prevent widening health disparities, digital health solutions must be inclusive, accessible, secure, and genuinely reflective of the needs and voices of marginalized youth. Achieving this requires strong, coordinated collaboration across governments, private sectors, healthcare professionals, and communities. Only through this united effort can we ensure that innovation truly serves everyone.
Thank you so much, Pongpipat, for this incredibly rich and well-researched contribution!
I especially appreciate your focus on digital health literacy and education—a core component that is often overlooked in policy discussions. Empowering young people to navigate, question, and utilize digital tools confidently is essential to long-term impact.
Also, thank you for bringing in the critical lens on AI ethics and data privacy. We often celebrate technological advancements without pausing to consider how they may unintentionally replicate or reinforce existing inequities. Your call for transparent, accountable systems is so needed.
Lastly, your final point about co-designing with marginalized youth is something we at the DTH Lab are deeply committed to. Nothing about us without us, right?
Altogether, your response is a brilliant example of systems thinking grounded in values of justice and equity. Thank you again for sharing—it’s voices like yours that help push this conversation forward in meaningful ways! 💫
Hi everyone, my name is Alicia Sanchez, Youth Engagement Advisor at the UNAIDS Global Center. I will co-moderate this pre-event consultation starting today. We're excited to hear your reflections and recommendations to ensure that digital health solutions reach those who are currently left behind while supporting their empowerment and safety.
In many contexts, adolescent girls and young women, LGBTIQ+ persons, young people living with HIV or other medical conditions, persons with disabilities, and others are marginalized groups. What type of solutions should be made available to these populations, and how can they meaningfully participate in co-creating digital solutions that address their needs? What policy support is required to ensure their safety and protection when navigating the digital world?
Looking forward to hearing your comments!
Hello everyone!
My name is Carlotta, president of the European Network of Medical Residents in Public Health and member of the WHO Youth Council. Along with Alicia, I’ll be moderating the consultation over the next few days. We are excited to hear your thoughts and ideas on the following questions:
🔹 How can we ensure that digital health solutions reach marginalized youth without exacerbating health inequities?
🔹 What measures should be in place to ensure health data privacy, consent, and confidentiality?
🔹 How can digital spaces be designed to empower marginalized youth, especially young women and LGBTQ+ individuals?
We encourage everyone to share their insights and engage in meaningful discussions. Your input is invaluable to shaping the future of digital health solutions. Looking forward to our conversations! :)
Hi everyone,
My name is Devaki Maharaj-Sookraj, and I am deeply passionate about ensuring equitable access to digital health innovations for marginalized youth. As we collectively envision a healthier, more inclusive digital future, I would like to share evidence-based strategies on how we can better design and implement digital health solutions that uplift all young people especially those who have historically been excluded or underserved.
1. Expanding Access to Digital Health Tools and Infrastructure
According to the International Telecommunication Union (2023), 2.6 billion people globally still lack internet access, disproportionately impacting rural youth, girls, and underserved populations.
Proposed Solutions:
Case Example: India’s government-led telemedicine platform, eSanjeevani, facilitated over 100 million consultations, many from rural communities and underserved youth.
2. Designing Culturally and Linguistically Relevant Platforms
Digital platforms must reflect and respect the diverse cultural and linguistic realities of young people.
A review by Barrera et al. (2017) found that culturally tailored health interventions significantly increase user engagement and effectiveness, particularly in areas like mental and reproductive health.
Recommendations:
Case Example: CyberRwanda, a youth-centered health platform co-developed with Rwandan teens, uses storytelling in local languages to deliver reproductive health education.
3. Strengthening Digital Health Literacy and Youth Empowerment
Norman and Skinner (2006) highlighted that digital health literacy is now a fundamental skill for effectively navigating health systems and making informed decisions.
Key Approaches:
Case Example: She Codes for Change in Tanzania trains young women to design and lead their own health tech initiatives, promoting leadership and self-advocacy.
4. Ensuring Privacy, Consent, and Ethical Use of Data
With increasing reliance on data and artificial intelligence in healthcare, safeguarding privacy, consent, and ethical standards is essential.
A study published in Pediatrics (2019) found that only 8% of adolescents fully understood digital consent forms. This signals a clear need for more accessible and youth-friendly approaches to data protection.
Recommendations:
5. Creating Safe and Empowering Digital Spaces for Young Women and LGBTQ+ Youth
Many marginalized youth particularly LGBTQ+ individuals and girls face exclusion, discrimination, or harassment in digital health spaces. A report from The LGBT Foundation (2020) revealed that one in four LGBTQ+ youth avoid digital health tools due to fear of being judged or their data being misused.
Suggested Actions:
Case Example: Sayfty provides online safe spaces for women and LGBTQ+ youth to access legal, health, and emotional support through moderated discussions and educational content.
6. Co-Designing With Marginalized Youth
Young people must be involved not only as users but also as co-creators of the digital tools intended to support them.
Participatory design, as highlighted by Wong et al. (2019), improves usability, builds trust, and enhances long-term impact, especially among marginalized groups.
Case Example: In South Africa, mHealth4Youth engaged adolescents in designing a WhatsApp-based chatbot that provides reproductive health information, leading to increased comfort and usage among youth.
Conclusion
To prevent digital health innovations from widening existing disparities, we must adopt a rights-based, inclusive approach rooted in collaboration. This includes:
Governments, healthcare professionals, technologists, and youth advocates must work together to ensure that digital innovation truly serves all young people, equitably and ethically.
Thank you for this opportunity to contribute. I look forward to learning from everyone and supporting a future where no one is left behind in digital health.
Hello everyone,
I'm Farah Feteha, Youth Leader of the Egyptian Society for Adolescents Medicine. I'm very happy to be a part of this, and I have some thoughts on the questions presented.
1. How can we ensure that digital health solutions reach marginalized youth without exacerbating health inequities?
As someone deeply invested in equitable health access, I believe the key lies in co-creating solutions with marginalized youth, not just for them. That means involving them in the design process, understanding the unique barriers they face—whether it's internet access, language, or cultural stigma—and then tailoring tech accordingly. We also need to invest in digital literacy and community outreach to build trust and increase awareness.
2. What measures should be in place to ensure health data privacy, consent and confidentiality?
We need clear, youth-friendly privacy policies that are easy to understand, alongside strong data encryption and secure platforms. Consent should be an ongoing process, not a one-time checkbox, and young people should have full control over their data, including options to delete it. Confidentiality is crucial, especially in contexts where seeking care might carry social or legal risks. It’s about building platforms that prioritize safety as much as they do service.
3. How can digital spaces be designed to empower marginalized youth, especially young women and LGBTQ+ individuals?
Digital spaces must be inclusive by design—free of harassment, accessible in different languages, and respectful of different identities. Representation matters, so we need to amplify voices from these communities and offer resources that reflect their realities. Safe spaces for discussion, peer support, and mentorship can go a long way in building confidence and resilience among marginalized youth. Tech can be empowering, but only if it is built with empathy and intention.