efforts and technological initiatives. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) plays a central role in developing interoperability frameworks, notably encouraging the adoption of standards such as Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR). Initiatives such as the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) aim to establish a unified nationwide infrastructure for secure health data exchange between diverse systems. Despite these efforts, the US healthcare landscape remains fragmented, presenting challenges in achieving cohesive data integration due to the multitude of stakeholders and varying technological capabilities. Privacy regulations such as the HIPAA continue to safeguard patient information, while ongoing endeavours focus on balancing innovation with stringent privacy and security requirements to enhance the overall digital health environment. –Latin America: Latin America emphasizes policy alignment and scalable health data initiatives. This region demonstrates a growing commitment to cohesive, system- wide improvements, driven by collaborations among governments, private stakeholders and regional organizations such as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Efforts such as the Pan American Highway for Digital Health underscore this commitment.24 Key countries are actively driving this transformation; for instance, Brazil, through its 2024 G20 presidency, is emphasizing digital health access and interoperability as a strategic priority and using its national health system, Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), to enhance pandemic preparedness and health access.25 Latin America’s complex healthcare landscape presents unique challenges; however, significant mobilization and leadership engagement across countries are setting the groundwork for a unified approach to health data transformation, with a focus on shared regional goals and enhanced interoperability frameworks.This multi-tiered approach enables localized solutions, encouraging regions to learn from each other’s successes while adopting strategies that reflect their specific needs. Roadmap: Key phases Success metrics will be established to ensure the Activator achieves its objectives effectively through its different phases: –Phase 1. Design and initial partnerships: Challenges are selected and the approach to be taken in addressing them is designed, including target stakeholders. –Phase 2. Defining collaborative business models and prioritized data types: Innovative business models are developed to create incentives for stakeholders, developing a framework for effective collaboration. High- value data types such as EHRs and SDOHs are defined and prioritized to maximize health impact. –Phase 3. Data infrastructure and ecosystem building: The digital and technical infrastructure necessary for effective health data collaboration among partners is put together. Beyond standards, success necessitates addressing broader infrastructure needs to ensure inclusivity and seamless data integration. –Phase 4. Growth and network effects: As collaboration deepens, this phase focuses on operationalizing new business models, such as value-based care and data marketplaces. –Phase 5. Long-term impact and scaling: The final phase focuses on measurable improvements in patient outcomes, such as reduced readmissions and better management of chronic diseases. Better Together: Building a Global Health Network Economy through Data Collaboration 17

Better Together 2025