Tunisia is set to host Telehealth Connect 2026, an international event focused on advancing digital health services. Under the patronage of the President of the Republic, the conference will take place from September 29 to October 1, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Convention Center in Tunis.
The event is expected to attract over 500 participants from 30 countries, including ministers, government officials, and representatives from international organizations. Experts, researchers, and technology partners will also be in attendance.
Tunisia’s Digital Health Initiatives
Tunisia’s health system is developing various digital programs, including telemedicine, teleradiology, and interconnected healthcare facilities. The country is also implementing electronic medical records and a national health identifier system.
According to the Ministry of Health, teleradiology has been deployed across 30 healthcare facilities, enabling more than 100,000 examinations. Additionally, 99 facilities are in the process of implementing electronic medical records, and the number of active national health identifiers has reached 800,000.
The Ministry is also preparing to launch the “Sahetna” platform, which will allow citizens to follow their care pathways, view appointments and health information, and access their children’s health data, in compliance with personal data protection requirements.
Advancing Digital Health through International Cooperation
Professor Mustapha Ferjani, Minister of Health, emphasized the importance of digital transformation in making quality healthcare more accessible. He stated that the responsibility of policymakers, doctors, researchers, and engineers is to ensure that technological progress serves people, rather than the other way around.
The three-day program of Telehealth Connect 2026 will address key themes such as telemedicine, virtual care, and the interconnection of health information systems. Participants will also discuss the responsible use of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and health data governance.
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The event will feature expert-led workshops on topics such as cybersecurity in healthcare and workforce skills development. It will also provide a platform for discussing ways to strengthen personal data protection and secure digital infrastructure.
Practical Applications and International Collaboration
Teleradiology experiences will be a key topic, addressing organizational and coordination needs, as well as access to expertise. Participants will explore ways to expand national programs and improve access to specialist diagnostic services, particularly in cross-border contexts.
Enhancing Digital Health Cooperation and Sustainability
Telehealth Connect 2026 aims to support cross-border collaboration, addressing regulatory and professional challenges while prioritizing patient rights and data confidentiality. The event will explore opportunities for joint service development, experience sharing, and capacity building, with a focus on measuring outcomes and improving care quality and accessibility.
The event will also address sustainable investment in infrastructure, equipment, information systems, and training to support service continuity and expansion. Telehealth Connect 2026 will convene stakeholders to tackle the practical challenges of implementing digital health solutions, with Tunisia sharing its experience and learning from international approaches to strengthen regional and African cooperation.
Data Security and Sustainable Investment
Telehealth Connect 2026 will facilitate international cooperation, bringing together government bodies, international organizations, and private-sector partners. Participants will discuss sustainable investment in infrastructure, training, and maintenance, aiming to support service continuity and expansion based on countries’ needs and capacities.
With support from organizations like the World Health Organization, World Bank Group, and private partners such as Huawei and Tunisie Telecom, the event will support collaboration and practical solutions for digital health advancement.
The final day will emphasize the importance of measuring outcomes and impact on care quality and accessibility, ensuring that digital health initiatives remain patient-centered and sustainable.
