28
Jan

Leveraging Technological Innovation for Good Health and Well-Being: Experiences from Asia-Pacific Countries

Technological innovation is increasingly vital for promoting health and well-being. Advances in personal wearable devices, mobile apps, digital platforms, big data, and artificial intelligence (AI) are being applied across various contexts—from supporting individual behavioral changes to enhancing health services, health planning, advocacy efforts, and health system strengthening. These innovations are essential for responding to crises, addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, and advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

This side meeting will showcase how countries and regions in the Asia-Pacific, including China, Singapore, Japan, and Thailand, are implementing accessible, locally adapted technologies within their health systems. Each country/region will present real-world case studies demonstrating how these innovations improve health outcomes and support UHC.

Case Study from Sichuan Province: Big Data for Children's Physical Activity in China
The Sichuan Province Students' Physical Fitness and Health Big Data Center uses big data to improve student health. Established in partnership with the Sichuan Provincial Department of Education, the initiative covers over 99% of students aged 6-22, reaching 11.58 million students across 10,313 schools annually. The platform collects real-time fitness data to tailor health interventions, serving as a model for using data-driven approaches to promote physical activity and well-being in youth.

Case Study: National Steps Challenge in Singapore
Led by the Policy & Technology Innovation Office at Singapore’s Health Promotion Board (HPB), the National Steps Challenge demonstrates how wearable devices, and mobile technology can promote personalized health. Nearly 3,000 participants use FitBit Ionic smartwatches linked to the Health Insights Singapore app, tracking their physical activity, sleep patterns, and heart rates. With gamification and incentives, participation has grown from 156,000 to 800,000, showing the power of technology in driving community health engagement.

Japan Case Study: Kayoinoba Platform for Elderly Health Promotion and Prevention (P&P)
The Kayoinoba platform is a digital tool aimed at enhancing the health and social engagement of older adults in Japan. It supports physical, mental, and social well-being through features such as activity tracking, brain-training games, health monitoring, and encouragement to participate in community events. By promoting active lifestyles and fostering social connections, the platform addresses key challenges associated with aging, including isolation and declining health, aligning with Japan's commitment to improving the quality of life for its aging population.

Using of Health Information System to improving PHC and expanding P&P services:  Leaning from  Thailand’s  “30-Baht Treatment Anywhere” initiative 

Thailand’s Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) introduced the “30-Baht Treatment Anywhere” initiative, leveraging the National ID card to enhance primary healthcare, health promotion, and disease prevention services. By integrating the health information system, patients can receive treatment at any participating facility nationwide. This approach streamlines administrative processes, reduces barriers to care, and ensures patients receive basic care near their homes, alleviating hospital congestion. At the same time, robust information systems must be implemented to ensure checks and balances, detect fraud, and prevent system exploitation, thereby ensuring the sustainability of Thai UHC.