When health system managers need to make decisions quickly, they often rely on data and the insights that they generate. While the proliferation of digital technologies has put such insights at their fingertips, the underlying data science makes those insights rich and meaningful.

The goal of all contact tracing is to slow (and eventually, halt) the spread of a pathogen. It accomplishes this by identifying and informing anyone exposed to that pathogen, so the exposed individual can get tested, self-isolate, and avoid infecting others.

As we stand at the intersection of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement, and increasing global urgency to address systemic inequity and racism, history offers important lessons about the necessity of direct action, and its contributions to public health.

The goal of all contact tracing is to slow (and eventually, halt) the spread of a pathogen. It accomplishes this by identifying and informing anyone exposed to that pathogen, so the exposed individual can get tested, self-isolate, and avoid infecting others.

The strength of digital health lies not in technology. Not in the latest software update. Not in the newest gadget. The real strength of digital health lies in the ability to connect people with the timely information they need to lead healthier lives. Digital tools make it possible for mothers in remote locations to speak to a nurse without walking for hours with a sick child and for decision-makers to see up-to-date information and spot health trends unfolding from their desks.