The Digital Transformation of Health Lab (DTH-Lab) is a global consortium aiming to implement the recommendations of the Lancet and Financial Times Commission on Governing Health Futures 2030 for value-based, youth-centered digital health transformations at both global and national levels.

In 2021, the GHFutures2030 Commission released a pivotal report on digital health transformations, providing a solid evidence base and recommendations for the DTH-Lab to advance. The DTH-Lab’s work is a direct result of three years of research, convening, and partnership building.

DTH-Lab's vision for 2030 is to lead digital health transformations grounded in Health for All values, enabling digital-first health systems to deliver equitable benefits for the health, wellbeing, and safety of young people and their communities.

The Lab aims to unite youth with policymakers, technology companies, and other stakeholders to drive change in three areas: (1) centering young people in digital-first health systems; (2) advancing value-based governance of digital health transformations; and (3) addressing digital determinants of health (DDoH). This will be achieved through cutting-edge research, youth leadership, policy innovation, and shifting public and political agendas.

Youth will be integral to all aspects of the DTH-Lab’s work, with significant involvement in its governance structure. The Lab prioritizes meaningful youth engagement, supporting them to become informed digital health citizens. The Lab will ensure the diverse views and experiences of young people are reflected in its activities and champion their inclusion in external governance processes.

REGIONAL YOUTH CHAMPIONS

As part of the Commission's efforts, the first cohort of Regional Youth Champions (RYC) was established to advocate for the report’s key recommendations to enhance the health and well-being of young people at regional and national levels. RYC represents eight regions based on Sustainable Development Goals groupings, including Sub-Saharan Africa, Northern Africa and Western Asia, Central and Southern Asia, Eastern and South-Eastern Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, Oceania, Europe, and Northern America.

The next cohort of RYC will:
- Join a well-established network of young leaders dedicated to amplifying the report's recommendations and key messages.
- Provide insights, key concerns, and proposed solutions to improve the health and well-being of young people at regional and local levels.
- Co-design and co-create youth-focused research, policies, and solutions.
- Join the leadership and governance mechanism of the DTH-Lab.
- Advocate for the inclusion of youth voices in external governance processes.

RYC ROLE OBJECTIVES

The RYC will support the DTH-Lab’s objectives:
1. Develop and promote a blueprint for digital-first health systems co-designed and governed by young people, addressing their health needs and strengthening digital health citizenship.
2. Implement a framework for governing health futures, offering guidance to governments, technology companies, and stakeholders on building a trusted and inclusive governance architecture based on data solidarity and Health for All values.
3. Share research and create a sustainable platform to engage governments, technology companies, youth organizations, and key actors to coordinate actions addressing digital determinants of health.

CHAMPION’S PROFILE

- Aged between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application.
- Based in the region they are applying to represent for the entire term.
- Strong oral and written communication skills in English; knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.
- Access to a bank account.

INTERESTS

- Passionate about global health governance, the future of health, digital health transformations, data solidarity, and/or universal health coverage (UHC).
- Aligned with foundational values of digital health governance, such as democracy, solidarity, inclusion, equity, and human rights.

EXPERIENCE

- Pursuing a career in health, STEM, international affairs, and/or governance.
- Experience or training in communications, advocacy, policy writing, and/or research.
- Leadership experience in fostering change and/or innovation.
- Training or experience in futures thinking or foresight is an advantage.

NETWORKS

- Part of or experienced with youth networks at regional and/or local levels.
- Utilizes social media for knowledge sharing and is well connected to other young people.
- Proficient in digital platforms and technology to enhance digital engagement.

 CHAMPION’S ROLE

The Champion's role includes:
- Supporting the development of DTH-Lab-led events, articles, and other outputs.
- Providing insights and expertise on DTH-Lab's three work streams.
- Collaborating with other RYC members to contribute written/oral inputs.
- Assisting in building partnerships with key stakeholders and youth networks.
- Sharing strategic and innovative ideas supporting the DTH-Lab’s vision and mission.
- Serving as regional messengers and disseminators of DTH-Lab work.
- Distributing key outputs across social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.
- Engaging in partnerships to learn about scholarly communications in digital health, with an emphasis on contributing to the peer review process.
- Enhancing the diversity and inclusivity of young people in the #MyHealthFutures Youth Network.
- Participating in panel discussions, podcasts, and other knowledge-sharing platforms as youth champions.

Note: The cohort term is one year with a two-month probationary period. An evaluation will be conducted after the first two months to ensure meaningful engagement and contributions. The DTH-Lab reserves the right to revoke the role from anyone not upholding the Lab's ethos.

Complete the online application form by August 18, 2024. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis.