Digitally enabled health systems as a policy lever for youth health in urban areas

Urban populations account for 75% of Europe’s population and are projected to reach nearly 81% by 2050 (UN DESA, 2025). Young people (10–24 years; 1.8 billion globally) face rising health challenges, including noncommunicable diseases, infectious diseases, and injuries, which can be linked to urban environments (WHO, Urban Health). Climate stressors such as heat and air pollution further exacerbate these risks (Lancet Countdown, 2023). Despite proximity, fragmented services and inequities limit access. Digitally enabled health systems can expand access to youth-friendly, confidential, and continuous care while improving coordination and data use. Digital Transformations for Health (DTH) Lab has developed a framework to support governments in strengthening digitally enabled, youth-friendly health systems, which will be officially launched at the 3rd WHO Global Initiative for Digital Health (GIDH) Annual Convening. Structured around eight levers: integrated services addressing young people’s needs and linking care across sectors; integrating digital solutions into education and community settings; strengthening digital health literacy & digital citizenship; building a skilled, trusted workforce; ensuring youth participation in governance; advancing equity & accessibility; embedding safeguards for data security, privacy & trust; and enabling adaptive monitoring, learning and evaluation. In urban contexts, these levers provide an approach to address fragmentation and inequities by connecting diverse providers through integrated digital systems, extending access through platforms used by young people, and strengthening safe, informed engagement. They support governments to institutionalize youth-responsive service delivery, prioritize underserved urban populations, and embed trust and accountability. Real-time, disaggregated data systems enable identification of intra-urban disparities and climate-sensitive risks, informing adaptive and resilient urban health planning.

Key messages

• Digitally enabled health systems can bridge urban health service gaps by improving access, continuity, and equity through integrated, data-driven care tailored to young people’s needs.

• The framework equips governments to strengthen urban health by aligning digital innovation with youth needs, reducing inequities, and supporting climate-resilient health systems.