Page 13 - UN Executive Briefing on Unlocking the potential of virtual worlds and the metaverse for the Sustainable Development Goals

UN Executive Briefing on Unlocking the potential of virtual worlds and
the metaverse for the Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

The recent global health crisis has demonstrated the power of digital
technologies to support healthy living and well-being, while also
crystallising global awareness of digital harms. Ensuring good health and
well-being, as set out in Goal 3, presents challenges and opportunities
when it comes to leveraging the power of virtual worlds such as the
metaverse [b-WHO].
One of the key challenges is to ensure inclusivity, accessibility and security
of healthcare services in virtual worlds [b-Pharmaceutical Technology]. While the metaverse
has the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery, it is crucial to address disparities and
ensure that healthcare services are accessible to all, regardless of their digital literacy, socio-
economic status, or physical abilities. Efforts should be made to bridge the digital divide and
provide necessary training and support to enable individuals to access and benefit from virtually
based healthcare solutions. Another challenge lies in safeguarding the privacy and security
of personal health data in virtual worlds. As healthcare services become increasingly digital
and connected, it is essential to establish robust data protection measures and frameworks
to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive health information. Also, the health effect of virtual
worlds such as the metaverse is still controversial. There are concerns that the usage of virtual
digital technologies will have negative effects on people’s physical and psychological health
[b-World Economic Forum].

Virtual worlds also present an opportunity to build on the pandemic success of telemedicine
and remote healthcare solutions, especially for underserved populations. Through immersive
virtual experiences, individuals may be able to access healthcare services remotely, bridging
the gap between patients and healthcare providers. This is particularly valuable for individuals
in remote or underserved areas who may face challenges in accessing traditional healthcare
facilities. Furthermore, virtual worlds present an opportunity to develop innovative healthcare
solutions by utilising healthcare data from wearable health devices, as well as providing more
accessible mental health support and therapy through immersive and interactive experiences.

Case study: Virtual Reality surgery

Gemini Untwined's mission is to empower medical teams around the world with the necessary
skills, technology, knowledge and experience to undertake highly complex medical procedures.
In the case of Arthur and Bernardo, twin boys from Brazil who were born craniopagus (fused at
the cranium), this mission came to life. Utilising brain scans, a digital map of the boys' shared
cranium was created, playing a vital role in the preparation for the complex procedure of
separating the boys. The surgical team underwent months of intensive preparation, which
involved a trial surgery conducted cross-continentally in virtual reality. The medical team, which
included nearly 100 staff, was able to practice the procedure using a state-of-the-art virtual
reality system. The successful separation of the boys was a testament to the power of shared
expertise and cutting-edge technology [b-Gemini Untwined].

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