Health Minister Azir Aliu promotes digital health strategy at WHO meeting in Riga

Health Minister Azir Aliu of North Macedonia attended the 12th high‑level meeting of the WHO Europe Small Countries Initiative in Riga, Latvia. The two‑day forum addressed how small nations can cope with limited resources, staff migration, ageing populations and rising patient needs.

Aliu presented Macedonia’s National Digital Health Strategy 2026‑2030, describing digital health as a tool rather than an end. He highlighted digital care pathways, priority referrals, multidisciplinary teams, a pilot teledermatology project for remote areas, and a new health‑records law aligned with the European Health Data Space. On the AI panel he said, “Digital health is not an end in itself; it is a tool for better care,” and warned that AI should support, not replace, human responsibility. The minister stressed that “small countries may not have the biggest resources, but they can adapt quickly, coordinate well and show strong political will for change.”