Advancing universal health coverage through digital innovation and skills development in Europe

International Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, observed annually on 12 December, highlights the global effort to build robust health systems that ensure equitable access to care for all. The day serves as a platform for advocates to share stories of those still waiting for care, recognise achievements, and call for stronger and smarter investment in health. As the world works towards achieving UHC by 2030, organisations across sectors are stepping forward with commitments to expand access, strengthen capabilities and prepare the workforce for a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

Two projects managed by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) under the Digital Europe Programme (DEP), ManagiDiTH and SUSA, are playing a key role in Europe’s drive to advance digital innovation and reinforce the skills needed to deliver future-ready healthcare services.

• The ManagiDiTH project is creating a new master’s degree curriculum focused on equipping professionals with the competencies essential for designing and implementing digital services in the health sector, particularly those powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Running from January 2023 to December 2026, the initiative brings together seven partners, including three degree-awarding universities. 
  The newly designed EQF Level 7 programme, “Digital Transformation in Health,” has already enrolled more than 180 students in its first cohort, with women representing 60% of the September 2024 cohort. The October 2025 cohort increased to 190 students and achieved nearly 65% participation by women, demonstrating strong commitment to gender diversity in digital health leadership. Alongside its academic achievements, ManagiDiTH has mapped the digital health ecosystem to engage emerging stakeholders and ensure sector relevance across its curriculum. 
  Designed for candidates from Health, Social & Welfare, Business Administration, and ICT backgrounds, the programme prepares graduates for leadership roles in digital transformation, supported by cornerstone modules such as Data Analytics and Machine Learning, which enable students to apply and develop AI solutions through practical case studies.
• SUSAbrings together 12 European universities to embed advanced digital health and data competencies across 20 bachelor’s and 26 master’s programmes, complemented by 16 lifelong-learning modules for mid-career professionals, aiming to produce 6,558 graduates by the end of the four-year project. By collaborating with small technology companies across Europe, the programme integrates industry knowledge into course development and offers internships that provide hands-on experience in digital and data-driven healthcare environments.
  Recognising that technical knowledge alone is not sufficient, Susa places equal emphasis on the human dimension of digital care, preparing health workers to build patient rapport, communicate effectively in digital settings, and understand the ethical and regulatory considerations surrounding AI. With a strong focus on AI literacy, responsible use, and practical application, Susa aims to ensure that future health professionals can safely and sustainably leverage digital health data for improved patient outcomes and innovation.

Together with other initiatives in the Digital Skills ecosystem, projects like ManagiDiTH and Susa are strengthening Europe’s capacity to develop a digitally skilled health workforce. The coordinated support action (CSA) LEADS*2030 brochure provides an entry point to explore the wider Digital Skills DEP portfolio, highlighting relevant projects and practical use cases already influencing healthcare. Stakeholders are encouraged to dive into this resource, draw inspiration, and engage with initiatives that reflect their needs — helping build a sustainable, inclusive, and patient-centred digital health future.

Background 

The Digital Europe Programme aims to build the EU’s strategic digital capacities and facilitate the deployment of digital technologies. With an overall budget of €7.5 billion, of which €0.8 billion is managed by HADEA, the programme supports investments in high performance computing, cloud, data, and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced digital skills, and accelerating best use of technologies.