Since the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, where the deployment of social media, text messages, and satellite imagery proved crucial in the immediate response and recovery efforts, the role of digital health in complex settings has significantly evolved. Building on this foundation, the evolution of digital health gained further momentum a decade later with the widespread adoption of telehealth, contact tracing apps and other digital health interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Digital health is becoming increasingly crucial for immunisation efforts in fragile and conflict settings. Leveraging appropriate technology has been shown to support continuity of services and provide near-real-time access to data to support agile planning, leading to increased resilience of the health system in environments that experience service disruptions. Digital health has been used to support mapping and targeting populations to improve the identification and reach of zero-dose children. Data collection and analysis improves tracking vaccination coverage, early warning for detection of potential outbreaks, and managing logistical challenges to maintain stock levels and prevent stock-outs, thus ensuring continuity of immunisation efforts. In addition, digital health has been used to provide client education and vaccination reminders, improving vaccination uptake and reducing loss to follow-up.

Fragile and conflict settings differ significantly based on the duration, context, and nature of the crisis. Each type of crisis uniquely impacts the healthcare system, and the country’s digital health maturity which in turn influences the specific digital health interventions required.