Report: Digital Ecosystem Analysis of E-Health Services for a Selection of Service Providers in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan

This Digital Ecosystem Analysis comprises part of our project developing a methodology for using AI to identify social media discussions on mental health and well-being from young people.  

Executive Summary 

Building on previous work carried out by the Data for Children Collaborative and UNICEF in Ukraine, this part of the project has sought to identify the mental health and well-being digital footprint of adolescents in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan through a comprehensive Digital Ecosystem Analysis. This initiative maps available digital resources that support adolescents through the provision of culturally sensitive and accessible mental health services. By leveraging the Digital Ecosystem Framework, the project informs local agencies and UNICEF Country Offices, encouraging sustainable mental health solutions for young people in both countries. 

Report Recommendations: 

• Research and evaluation

  Due to a lack of empirical research and evaluation of available services, existing app-based interventions and resources within Kazakhstan and Tajikistan could be evaluated against pre-existing evaluation frameworks within the field of digital mental health as a low-cost form of evaluation to further strengthen the availability of evidence and enable informed user decision-making.

• Transparency and reporting regarding available mental health resources within young people’s digital ecosystem

  Digital mental health interventions not only need to be evidence-based and empirically evaluated, but this evidence base must also be transparent, publicly available and readily discoverable in order to make informed choices about the quality of care offered.

• Integration of technology and in-person services

  Barriers related to digital intervention, individual factors, and structural barriers related to the wider environment must be addressed to successfully impact mental healthcare.

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