July 2025
January 26, 2023, may have been an ordinary day for most, but for us at DHIT, it marked the beginning of something much greater. What began as a casual gathering of digital health champions in Costa Rica has since evolved into a wave of momentum, fueling innovation, education, and, most importantly, collaboration across Central America. Today, we’re proud to announce the official launch of DHIT Costa Rica: our first international chapter, dedicated to shaping the future of health through community-driven digital transformation.
From Vision to Reality
The seeds of this chapter were planted through a powerful alignment of values and purpose. Daniel Quesada Alvarado, DHIT Costa Rica Chapter Director, shared during a recent interview how his connection to DHIT began years ago, sparked by conversations about digital transformation and his passion for bringing impactful change to Costa Rica. After visiting North Carolina and experiencing DHIT’s immersive approach, Daniel recognized a shared vision for human-centered health innovation.
“Five, six years ago, I was studying digital health and digital transformation…After my visit to North Carolina, everything changed in my heart, in my plans,” Daniel said. “DHIT’s vision and mission align with my personal vision. So it was a must for us to bring DHIT, and more importantly, the vision of change here to Costa Rica.”
Meet the Leader: Daniel Quesada Alvarado
Daniel’s expertise across healthcare, digital strategy, and public policy makes him the perfect partner to lead the charge of DHIT Costa Rica. With a professional background as a pharmacist, a Master’s in Digital Transformation, and years of experience advising Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health, Daniel has been a prolific voice in national digital health strategies, including interoperability and clinical data exchange initiatives. His passion for community-led innovation and his strategic mindset make him a natural bridge between government, academia, and grassroots health initiatives.
Most recently, Daniel played a pivotal role in supporting Costa Rica’s commitment to a national AI in Health agenda, which aims to enhance equity, quality, and efficiency across the country’s healthcare system.
Building the Ecosystem
Just a few months after our inaugural Happy Hour in Costa Rica, ripples across the Central American Digital Health ecosystem began to spread. Academic institutions, health systems, and government leaders were at attention. Consequent partnerships with prominent universities like Tecnológico de Monterrey opened the doors for collaborative educational programming. And new relationships with various regional stakeholders laid the foundation for co-developed digital health strategies, capacity-building programs, and innovation sprints.
“A lot of people have talked with us…Universities want to make plans for the future,” Daniel shared. “They’re very excited about the possibility of doing something, to work together collaboratively.”
This growing interest reflects an urgent need shared across the region: to shift away from outdated systems and embrace agile, tech-enabled approaches that empower both providers and communities.
A Story of Shared Purpose
DHIT Costa Rica means more than organizational expansion; it is a testament to the power of shared purpose and ideals. As Daniel has articulated, the region has needed rapid digital transformation not only in healthcare but in how systems collaborate, learn, and grow.
“We need digital transformation in everything that occurs in Costa Rica…the health sector needs a change, a quick acceleration,” Daniel emphasized.
By fostering community agency and supporting next-generation leaders, DHIT Costa Rica is activating the local ecosystem to drive sustainable health equity.
The Culmination: National Forum on AI in Health
From that consequential Happy Hour in early 2023, we fast forward 2.5 years to mid-2025: DHIT Costa Rica co-hosted Costa Rica’s First National Forum on AI in Health, in collaboration with ULACIT and the Costa Rican Chamber of Health. The event welcomed over 500 participants from across the region, casting a spotlight on Costa Rica’s growing capacity for innovation and public-private partnerships.
“We have actionable digital health transformation plans for Costa Rica…The attendees were very excited about the possibility of doing something together for the benefit of the system, the people,” Daniel noted when reflecting on ongoing momentum.
What’s Next?
DHIT Costa Rica looks to continue gaining traction with upcoming events, design workshops, and content campaigns focused on spotlighting Central American innovation. DHIT Costa Rica will also play a key role in our evolving regional strategy, helping connect Costa Rica and Mexico to DHIT’s global storytelling and content initiatives.
As we look to the future, DHIT Costa Rica stands as a model of what’s possible when vision, passion, and purpose align. We’re just getting started, and we invite you to be part of this movement.
Join the Conversation
Follow our journey. Attend an upcoming event. Share your story. Whether you’re in San José, Chapel Hill, or anywhere in between, the next frontier of health needs your voice.