Bridging global guidance and national practice in digital health: A comparative qualitative document analysis of WHO (2020-2025) and Türkiye (2024-2028)<sup></sup>

This study aims to assess the alignment and divergence between the WHO’s global digital health strategy and Türkiye’s Ministry of Health's Strategic Plan 2024–2028, identifying strengths, gaps, and policy implications. A comparative qualitative document analysis was conducted using the official strategy documents of the WHO and Türkiye. Evidence was coded under SO1–SO4 and the CCME framework and interpreted through policy transfer, institutional isomorphism, multiple streams, network governance, and learning health systems. Türkiye shows strong alignment in SO2 (national implementation), with eNabız, MHRS, and SİZDES reflecting national ownership and monitoring. Partial alignment exists between SO3 (governance) and SO4 (people-centred systems), with multi-stakeholder participation, equity indicators, digital literacy, and ethical AI remaining limited. SO1 (global collaboration) is weakest, with little emphasis on digital public goods or open standards. While Türkiye’s KPI-driven monitoring is advanced, integration of the WHO’s learning-oriented CCME cycle is limited. Türkiye’s digital health strategy demonstrates strong national capacity but weaker global alignment. Greater engagement in WHO/ISO networks, the adoption of equity-focused indicators, and the implementation of continuous improvement mechanisms are needed to bridge national innovation with global governance.