Call for Abstracts

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Abstract Tracks

The Global Digital Health Forum 2026 invites submissions across the following thematic tracks. These tracks reflect priority areas in the global digital health agenda, including country-led transformation, governance, interoperability, artificial intelligence, workforce development, resilience, and sustainable financing.

Applicants should select the track that best represents the primary focus and contribution of their submission.

  • This track focuses on how countries are translating digital health strategies into scalable, sustainable systems. It explores governance models, coordination mechanisms, and practical approaches to moving beyond fragmented pilots toward nationally owned and institutionalized solutions.

    Sample topics may include:

    • Scaling digital health solutions across programs and geographies

    • Governance, coordination, and accountability mechanisms

    • Transitioning from donor-funded pilots to national systems

    • Designing for low-resource and diverse contexts

    • Evidence-based decision-making on scaling or retiring solutions

  • This track examines the foundations of connected digital health systems, including interoperable architectures, data governance, and integration within broader digital public infrastructure.

    Sample topics may include:

    • Interoperable system design across EMRs, registries, and labs

    • Data governance, privacy, consent, and stewardship

    • Unique patient identification and longitudinal records

    • Integration of health systems into national digital infrastructure

    • Open standards and digital public goods

  • This track explores the practical application of artificial intelligence in health systems, alongside the governance, safeguards, and enabling conditions required for responsible adoption.

    Sample topics may include:

    • AI use cases in clinical care, public health, and system management

    • Data readiness and infrastructure for AI deployment

    • Bias mitigation, validation, and regulatory frameworks

    • Generative AI for health communication and service delivery

    • Equity considerations in AI implementation

  • This track focuses on protecting digital health systems and ensuring their reliability in the face of disruptions, threats, and emergencies.

    Sample topics may include:

    • Cybersecurity strategies and risk management approaches

    • System resilience, backup, and disaster recovery

    • Continuity of digital services in fragile and emergency settings

    • Incident response and recovery frameworks

    • Building institutional and national cybersecurity capacity

  • This track highlights the human and institutional capabilities required to design, implement, and sustain digital health systems.

    Sample topics may include:

    • Digital health workforce competencies and frameworks

    • Capacity building in data, AI, interoperability, and cybersecurity

    • Leadership and change management for digital transformation

    • Training, certification, and mentorship models

    • Strengthening local talent pipelines

  • This track explores how digital health initiatives can be sustainably financed, scaled, and maintained over time through stronger investment strategies and aligned funding approaches.

    Sample topics may include:

    • Long-term financing models for digital health systems

    • Cost-effectiveness and value-for-money analysis

    • Procurement strategies and partner alignment

    • Transition planning from donor to domestic financing

    • Innovative financing mechanisms and investment cases

  • This track examines the role of digital health in addressing climate-related health risks and strengthening system resilience, aligned with global climate and health priorities.

    Sample topics may include:

    • Climate-informed surveillance and early warning systems

    • Climate-resilient health system design

    • Integration of environmental and health data

    • Digital tools for climate adaptation and response

    • Climate–health financing and accountability mechanisms

Session Types

The Global Digital Health Forum offers a range of session formats designed to support knowledge sharing, collaboration, and engagement across diverse audiences. Applicants are invited to submit abstracts under one of the following session types:

  • This abstract type is available for in-person presenters only. Solution Demonstrations showcase digital health software or hardware innovations. Presenters may supplement their demonstration with digital materials (e.g., fact sheets, brochures, or links) to provide additional context. Only one presenter may be listed per submission.

  • This abstract type is available for in-person presenters only. Individual Presentations are concise, 7-minute presentations followed by audience Q&A. Accepted presentations will be grouped by Forum organizers into thematic sessions based on topic, geography, or technical focus. Only one presenter may be listed per submission.

  • This abstract type is available for both in-person and virtual presenters. Workshops are 60-minute sessions designed to actively engage participants through interactive, hands-on learning. Submissions should clearly outline participant engagement methods and intended learning outcomes. Up to three presenters may be listed per submission.

  • This abstract type is available for both in-person and virtual presenters. Panels should include three coordinated presentations addressing a shared topic and must not exceed 60 minutes, inclusive of Q&A. Each panel must designate one moderator in addition to the presenters. Each presentation may have one lead presenter and maximum of three presenters and one moderator per session. (5 participants in total)
    Submissions that include interactive or participatory components should be submitted as Interactive Workshops.

  • This abstract type is available for in-person presenters only. Posters present findings, lessons learned, or case studies, including both successes and challenges in digital health implementation. Only one presenter may be listed per submission.

  • This abstract type is available for virtual presenters only. Lightning Talks are short (5–7 minute), storytelling-driven presentations that highlight innovative ideas, initiatives, or results. These presentations will be pre-recorded and shared during the virtual program. Only one presenter may be listed per submission.

In-person sessions require all speakers to be physically present at the event in Bangkok, Thailand.