The digitalisation of public health systems offers new opportunities to strengthen health system resilience, improve population health, and enhance preparedness for future crises. Yet, as countries accelerate this transformation, they continue to face persistent challenges related to fragmented data governance, limited interoperability, and unequal access to digital tools. Building on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, OECD countries are developing long-term strategies to embed digital public health tools, such as immunisation registries and respiratory disease surveillance systems, into routine practice in effective, equitable, and secure ways.
This paper examines how Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are advancing the digitalisation of public health through reforms in governance, workforce capacity building, technology, and policy co-creation. Drawing on desk research and interviews, it identifies leading practices including data stewardship models, investment in digital skills, interoperable systems, and the co-creation of digital public health policies with the public. The findings highlight common challenges and practical opportunities to strengthen digital public health systems, reinforcing essential functions and improving overall resilience and performance.
