The University of Warwick has today (20 April 2026) formalised a new partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to strengthen joint efforts to advance human rights, gender equality and inclusion in global digital health governance.
Led by Professor Sara (Meg) Davis from the Centre for Interdisciplinary Methodologies (CIM), this collaboration will enable Warwick and WHO to work together on research, convene diverse international researchers, officials, civil society and youth leaders to explore good practices, evidence, and experiences.
The partnership builds on CIM's interdisciplinary expertise in anthropology, law, computer science, public health, and advocacy, in collaboration with Warwick Law School and Warwick Centre for Global Health. The partners share a commitment to improving evidence, practice and participation in digital health systems worldwide.
Professor Sara (Meg) Davis said, "We are delighted and honoured to strengthen ties with WHO at this critical moment in global health, and to contribute evidence and expertise to ensure that digital technologies and artificial intelligence promote the right to health for all. This partnership will allow us to bring diverse voices together including, researchers, governments, civil society, and young leaders, to strengthen and promote more inclusive, accountable approaches to digital health governance."
Since 2024, Warwick has contributed tools, resources and expert advice to WHO through membership in the Global Initiative on Digital Health, the WHO Expert Group on Ethics and Governance of AI for Health, and the WHO Reference Group on a Human Rights-Based Approach to Health. The MOU builds on ongoing collaboration with the Digital Health and Rights Project, an international consortium hosted by CIM during 2023-26.
Dr. Alain Labrique, Director of WHO Department of Data, Digital Health, Analytics and Artificial Ingelligence, said, "This partnership with the University of Warwick reflects WHO's commitment to ensuring that digital health transformation is grounded in human rights, gender equality and inclusion. As countries increasingly adopt digital technologies and artificial intelligence, it is essential that governance frameworks are informed by robust evidence and diverse perspectives. Collaborations such as this one help us bring together academia, policymakers, and communities to shape digital health systems that are equitable, accountable, and responsive to the needs of all."
