Course Overview
This course provides a structured introduction to the Youth-centered Digital Health Interventions Framework. It equips participants with the knowledge and practical tools needed to plan, develop, and implement digital health solutions with and for adolescents.
Course Modality
Self-learning (self-paced)
Course Duration
Six (6) hours
Introduction
Promoting the health and well-being of young people requires solutions that are relevant, accessible, and tailored to their realities. One powerful way to do this is through digital health interventions. In the Region of the Americas, young people are among the most active users of mobile and digital technologies, with high internet usage and widespread access to online platforms. This presents a valuable opportunity to reach them with targeted health interventions that resonate with their habits, preferences, and needs. For many years, digital health efforts lacked clear frameworks, quality standards, and inclusive approaches. Recognizing this gap, WHO—alongside experts, youth leaders, and key global partners—developed the Youth-centered digital health interventions framework in 2019. This guidance, released in 2020 by WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, and UNESCO, outlines a collaborative, inclusive approach to designing and implementing digital health solutions with and for young people. This course is based on the global guidance and on regional training experiences led by PAHO and WHO. It presents a self-paced learning pathway for professionals involved in the design and implementation of high-quality, youth-centered digital interventions. Applicable to both newcomers and experienced practitioners, the course aims to support the development of meaningful and effective digital health solutions in collaboration with young people.
Purpose
To enable program managers and coordinators, health service providers, funders, and nongovernmental organizations working for and with adolescents to acquire knowledge, skills, tools, and resources—based on the WHO framework—to develop and implement digital health solutions and interventions.
Learning Objectives
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
• Strengthen knowledge on the planning, development, and implementation of evidence-informed and youth-centered digital health interventions.
• Apply the three stages of the WHO framework, including its core principles and cross-cutting actions.
• Integrate digital health interventions effectively into national and local responses to adolescent health and development.
Competencies
The course aims to provide opportunities for the development of the following competencies:
• Apply the WHO Youth-centered Digital Health Interventions Framework to real-world contexts.
• Design participatory and inclusive digital health interventions developed with and for adolescents.
• Incorporate evidence-informed digital strategies into national and local health programs.
• Identify contextual, ethical, and implementation considerations relevant to digital health initiatives targeting young people.
Target Audience
This course is intended for managers and professionals involved in the development and implementation of policies and programs related to adolescent health, as well as health professionals, youth leaders, youth-serving and youth-led organizations, community leaders, and other stakeholders interested in strengthening digital health interventions for young people.
Course Modality
Self-learning course, free of charge, open to the public and without deadlines to complete it.
Course Duration
Six (6) hours. The course is open access; as it is a self-learning course, participants may decide the times and moments they dedicate to completing it.
Course Structure
Module 1: Introduction Module 2: Framework overview Module 3: Framework principles and cross-cutting actions Module 4: Planning the intervention Module 5: Developing the intervention Module 6: Implementing the intervention
Evaluation and Certification
Upon completion of the six modules, participants must complete a Final Exam consisting of 25 multiple-choice questions designed to assess their understanding and ability to apply the WHO Youth-centered Digital Health Interventions Framework in planning, developing, and implementing digital health solutions with and for adolescents. The Final Exam allows multiple attempts. A minimum score of 70% is required to successfully pass.