Introduction
The current issue of Healthovation explores diverse aspects of public health initiatives. Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic was a wake-up call for public health systems worldwide. It tested the technological and human capacity of these systems, revealing both strengths and weaknesses (Feehan et al., 2022). In many cases, public health agencies struggled to meet urgent demands for timely data, contact tracing, and communication, hindered by legacy tools and information flow bottlenecks (Norwood et al., 2024). Even in instances where digital upgrades were made—such as setting up of testing portals, contact tracing apps, or vaccine registries—many were seen as ad-hoc measures not integrated into long-term strategy (Feehan et al., 2022). As a pandemic shifts into an endemic phase, governments are required to modernize public health infrastructure for the future. This editorial examines how technology integration, robust data governance, and artificial intelligence (AI) can transform public health and why cross-sector collaboration is essential. Drawing on global lessons, including recent Australian experiences, it outlines a pathway for policymakers and practitioners to build resilient, data-driven public health systems.
Modernizing Public Health Through Technology
Technology is redefining what is possible in public health. As we all have witnessed, during the pandemic, health agencies rapidly deployed new digital tools for testing, contact tracing, and vaccination management, which saved lives (Mustafa, 2022). However, these investments were often reactive, focused on immediate crisis response rather than long-term system integration (Norwood et al., 2024). Many countries found themselves operating a patchwork of duplicative legacy (conventional) applications struggling to communicate with each other. For example, a U.S. state health department was found to be running over 450 separate applications, creating inefficiencies (Feehan et al., 2022).
To address these challenges, modernizing public health IT systems is imperative. Governments must replace outdated systems with interoperable, cloud-based platforms to speed up data sharing and response times (Norwood et al., 2024). Such modernization not only improves efficiency but also reduces security vulnerabilities and privacy risks associated with outdated systems (Norwood et al., 2024). Beyond back-end infrastructure, governments must integrate digital delivery models into public health, such as telehealth, which saw dramatic growth in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 2024). This shift was facilitated by government policy changes that expanded Medicare reimbursements, making telehealth a mainstream option (AIHW, 2024). The Australian experience demonstrates how digital technology can extend healthcare access and increase system resilience.
Data Governance: Interoperability, Security, and Ethics
Data governance has emerged as a top priority for public sector leaders (Norwood et al., 2024). A cohesive approach to data governance ensures that the right data reaches the right people at the right time and in the right format (Mustafa, 2022). However, the pandemic highlighted significant gaps in interoperability—many countries or departments struggled to connect critical systems like laboratory databases and electronic health records (Mustafa, 2022). To cite an example, in New Jersey, health officials had to rapidly establish a centralized Data and Analytics Hub to unify information streams, a move that has since become the foundation of broader public health programs (Mustafa, 2022).
Interoperability requires adopting common data standards such as the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) framework, which enables seamless data exchange across platforms (Norwood et al., 2024). Some countries have already moved in this direction, implementing centralized data catalogues that standardize how information is stored and accessed (Norwood et al., 2024).
Data security is also a critical component. As public health agencies digitize records, they must ensure robust cybersecurity policies, such as access controls, encryption, and real-time monitoring (Norwood et al., 2024). Ethical governance must also be a priority. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued AI governance principles emphasizing fairness, transparency, and accountability in health data use (WHO, 2021). Ensuring that algorithms do not perpetuate biases or disproportionately disadvantage vulnerable populations is essential (Norwood et al., 2024).
Artificial Intelligence in Public Health Surveillance and Decision-Making
AI and machine learning are transforming disease surveillance and public health decision-making. These technologies can process vast amounts of data—far more than human analysts can interpret manually—to identify patterns, predict outbreaks, and optimize resource allocation (Norwood et al., 2024). For example, some countries leverage AI-driven analytics to predict viral surges and allocate hospital resources efficiently (Feehan et al., 2022).
One promising use case related AI is predictive modelling. AI algorithms trained on historical data can forecast disease spread and suggest targeted interventions (Mustafa, 2022). For example, in New Jersey, a centralized data hub enabled real-time decision-making, allowing public health officials to prioritize vaccination efforts for underserved communities (Mustafa, 2022).
However, integrating AI in public health requires strong oversight. Policymakers must ensure that AI models are transparent, explainable, and aligned with ethical standards (WHO, 2021). The technology should support—rather than replace—human decision-making, with experts validating AI-generated insights before policy action is taken (Norwood et al., 2024).
Cross-Sector Collaboration: Government, Healthcare, and Tech
Public health modernization requires cross-sector collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers, technology firms, and research institutions (Feehan et al., 2022). The pandemic demonstrated that data sharing and coordination between stakeholders is essential for effective response efforts (Mustafa, 2022).
For example, in some states in the USA, local health officers, hospitals, and community organizations received localized public health reports to guide their COVID-19 response (Mustafa, 2022). Australia’s national immunization registry similarly relied on cross-sector partnerships to enable real-time data exchange between states and federal agencies (AIHW, 2024).
Collaboration with the tech sector is also vital. Governments should engage with technology companies and universities to co-develop public health innovations, such as digital contact tracing systems or AI-driven analytics tools (Norwood et al., 2024). The Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) in Australia exemplifies this approach, bringing together universities, industry leaders, and government agencies to develop digital health solutions (AIHW, 2024).
Building a Resilient, Tech-Enabled Public Health Future
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the urgent need for technology-driven public health transformation. Policymakers must prioritize modernizing data infrastructure, strengthening governance frameworks, and integrating AI-driven analytics into public health operations (Norwood et al., 2024). Cross-sector collaboration will be key to ensuring that technology solutions are ethical, scalable, and equitable. With strategic investment and bold leadership, public health systems can become more agile, data-driven, and prepared for future crises.
I fervently believe that the topics covered in this current issue of Healthovation Magazine would broaden your understanding of public health initiatives.
Editorial by,
Associate Professor (Dr) Chandana Hewege, PhD, PFHEA
Chairman of the HCI Governing Board | A/Prof, Department of Management & Marketing, School of Business, Law & Entrepreneurship, Swinburne University, Australia. | Principal Fellow, Higher Education Academy, UK | Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors | Certified Carbon Literacy Trainer, The Carbon Literacy Project, UK.