Did you know that Pelé is the only football player to have won the World Cup 3 times?
Numerous movies and books over the years have celebrated his success story in great detail, but few people know about the humble beginnings of this Brazilian legend.
Pelé grew up in poverty in Bauru, in the state of São Paulo. He earned extra money by working in tea shops. Taught to play by his father, Pelé could not afford a proper football and usually played with either a sock stuffed with newspaper and tied with string, or a grapefruit. His story is one of extraordinary resilience and passion which has inspired millions of people around the globe.
Alisher Karimov, a 14-year-old from Uzbekistan, is one of them. He enjoys playing football and, like many kids, dreams of becoming like Pelé. But for Alisher, Pelé is more than just a sporting legend; he is a hero and a role model who overcame significant challenges to achieve his wildest dreams. Unlike in Pelé’s time, digital health has transformed Alisher’s own story.
A vision for strong digital health
Alisher lives with type 1 diabetes. He also trains with the “Sweet Tooth” football team in Uzbekistan, which includes players with and without diabetes. Their coach, Timur Nazarov, lives with type 2 diabetes. As featured in a video produced by the WHO Country Office in Uzbekistan, Alisher uses simple apps to track his health indicators daily, which gives him the time and confidence to pursue his dreams on the football field.
Alisher’s own story is unfolding in a world transformed by digital health tools that support him in pursuing his aspirations. For example, Alisher’s doctor relies on real-time updates via a unified health information system, receiving lab results and monitoring Alisher’s health without the need for frequent medical visits. Together, Alisher and his doctor have the data they need to make informed health decisions quickly and efficiently.
Although the video is based on a real story, it is more aspirational than a documentary. It showcases what can be achieved when data and digital solutions are seamlessly built into national health systems. The story of Alisher and his teammates is a vision WHO strives to make a reality, where digital technology empowers patients, supports health-care providers and facilitates better communication between the two.
“Digital health isn’t about fancy new technology, nor is it about making paperwork easier. It’s about an integrated management system for health care that can improve the quality of life for all patients. These tools are a game-changer for people like Alisher,” explains Dr Asheena Khalakdina, WHO Representative in Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan’s digital transformation
Digital health is a top priority for the government of Uzbekistan, in accordance with the programme “Digital Uzbekistan – 2030”. The relevant presidential decrees outline measures to accelerate digitalization of the health-care system, and introduce advanced technologies. Multiple digital health solutions are already integrated across the country. For example, electronic registration of births and deaths takes place in medical facilities and connects to databases at the Ministry of Justice. Meanwhile, sick leave registrations and the COVID-19 vaccination registry are included in the national health information system.
Enhancing country capacities to better govern digital transformation in the health sector and advance digital health literacy is a key priority for the Regional Digital Health Action Plan for the WHO European Region 2023–2030.
Video - Inspired by Pele: Alisher chases his football dream despite diabetes
Video - Digital Health: The Invisible Ally That’s Transforming Healthcare