PLOS Digit Health. 2026 Jul 21;5(7):e0001605. doi: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0001605. eCollection 2026 Jul.
ABSTRACT
The use of digital health technologies is advancing the provision of community health services, especially in low- and middle-income countries. However, limited attention has been given to the role of youth health volunteers in digital health systems. This article underscores the growing role of youth health volunteers as intermediaries, who are increasingly moving beyond traditional health promotion roles to include digital data collection, reporting and interpreting health information at the community level. While their roles have evolved, there are challenges in low digital literacy, ethical considerations on data privacy and informed consent, and accountability in using artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools. The frequently held view that young people are "digital natives" who can readily navigate digital technologies neglects the need for training, capacity-building, and institutional support. This paper suggests capacity building, governance and the formalization of youth health volunteers are critical to building a digital health system that is equitable, trustworthy and responsive to community needs.
PMID:42479721 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pdig.0001605