Digital vaccine passports and digital health diplomacy: an online model WHO simulation

Abstract

In the wake of COVID -19, several nations have sought to implement digital vaccine passports (DVPs) to enable the resumption of international travel. Comprising a minimum dataset for each unique individual, DVPs have the makings of a global electronic health record, broaching key issues involved in building a global digital health ecosystem. Debate simulations offer a safe, interactive space to foster participatory policy discussions for advancing digital health diplomacy. This study used an online simulation of a Model World Health Assembly to critically analyse the sociotechnical issues associated with the global implementation of DVPs, and to generate useful insights and questions about the role of diplomacy in global digital health. The debate arguments addressed and provided insights into the technological, scientific, ethical, legal, policy & societal aspects of DVPs. Reflecting on the simulation, we discuss its opportunities and challenges for the digitalization, decolonization, decentralization, and democratisation of participatory policymaking.

“You Shall Not Pass” without a Jab: An Institutional Theory Perspective to COVID-19 Vaccine Passport Policies

“…From an international standpoint, developed countries with more persuasive power and clout could coordinate an international effort with, for example, the WHO to ensure more equal access to vaccines and other relevant resources needed to combat the pandemic. In collaboration with the countries mentioned in Table 1 , the WHO also convened a ‘Smart Vaccination Certificate Working Group’ aimed at establishing technical guidance with key specifications and standards, taking into consideration local, national and international challenges [ 79 , 83 , 84 , 85 ]. The technical guidance was developed on standards and an adaptable framework that produces a digital vaccination certificate to support the implementation of VPPs across the globe.…”

Geographical and practical challenges in the implementation of digital health passports for cross-border COVID-19 pandemic management: a narrative review and framework for solutions

“…However, it is crucial to acknowledge that establishing common standards and interoperability frameworks around DHPs that are globally acceptable is not just a technical or health systems issue but also a matter of building trust among different countries and stakeholders and diplomatic considerations. Digital health diplomacy, a type of science diplomacy that involves the use of digital technologies to promote global health and well-being, can be useful in this regard [ 75 ]. The Madrid Declaration for Science Diplomacy provides a framework for collaboration and communication between scientists, policymakers, and other stakeholders.…”