This Guidance outlines key ethical, technical and human rights considerations for countries adopting digital technologies for HIV and health. It also presents a practical checklist and recommendations for governments, private sector companies and donor agencies to support countries in their decision-making on the adoption of digital technologies in HIV and health programmes.

In the Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS: Ending Inequalities and Getting on Track to End AIDS by 2030, UN Member States committed to enhancing the potential of digital technologies to advance HIV responses and the right to health consistent with their human rights obligations. Such technologies can support the provision of higher quality care, increase access to services, including for marginalised groups, as well as support better patient engagement. The Global Commission on HIV and the Law noted that digital health technologies can support people living with HIV to reliably and with less stigma make more informed decisions and take control of their healthcare.

However, new and emerging digital technologies also present human rights challenges, including possible infringement of the rights to privacy and non-discrimination. The Global Commission on HIV and the Law cautioned that governments should establish legal protections to safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of users of digital health technologies, ensuring that online healthcare records, electronic medical records and communications with healthcare providers are protected. With the appropriate governance framework, including accountability mechanisms that safeguard against rights violations, digital technologies can be invaluable in enabling HIV and health programming to become more people-centred, supporting individuals and systems to overcome barriers to access and realize the right to health for all.