Report: Strengthening Investment and Accountability in Digital Literacy and Human Rights

Digital technologies are transforming the global health landscape, presenting both opportunities and risks to human rights, especially for historically marginalised populations.  While digital tools can improve access to health information and services, reduce stigma, and increase autonomy, digital platforms also present risks, including inequitable access to technology, resulting in digital divides and exacerbating existing societal inequalities. Lack of effective governance and regulation of digital technologies has also led to a lack of protection for users.

Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) donors play a key role in shaping the digital health and rights agenda. In 2025, STOPAIDS published research analysing how seven ODA donors integrate digital health into their strategies, with a focus on digital empowerment, digital literacy, and human rights protections. The seven donors include four bilateral State ODA donors — AFD, FCDO, GIZ/BMZ, and USAID – the Gates Foundation, the Global Fund, and PEPFAR. By reviewing their digital health policies and investments, the report aims to identify gaps and make recommendations to strengthen donors’ digital health investments, accountability and alignment with human rights principles.

Qualitative research methods – including a desk-based literature review and in-depth interviews with ODA donors – were used to analyse seven donors’ investments in digital health, digital empowerment, and digital literacy, in addition to their human rights oversight and accountability mechanisms.