E. African stakeholders convene in Kampala to discuss digital health regulations

6 August 2024, 4:56 pm

By Byamukama Alozious

Regional health stakeholders gathered in Kampala for a pivotal workshop to advance digital health regulation in East Africa. Hosted by the University of Warwick, Afya na Haki, and the Ministry of Health, Uganda, the meeting brought together experts from across the region to discuss data protection and privacy.

In a significant move to enhance health technologies, regional health stakeholders convened for a two-day workshop aimed at scaling up digital health regulation.

The meeting, held on 5-6 August 2024 at Skyz hotel in the heart of Kampala, was hosted by the University of Warwick, Afya na Haki, and the Ministry of Health, Uganda. It brought together experts from Uganda, Kenya, Seychelles, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, and Rwanda to share experiences and strategies for optimising digital health governance.

The workshop focused on addressing the critical question of how to ensure data protection and privacy in the region’s digital health landscape. Dr. Ayub Manya, Medical Epidemiologist at Kenya’s Ministry of Health, highlighted Kenya’s progress in advancing digital health, citing the Health Act 2017 and the Data Protection Act 2019.

Uganda’s Assistant Commissioner for Health Information Management, Dr. Paul Mbaka, emphasised the need for robust policies and laws to govern health data. He noted challenges such as limited technical capacity, poor infrastructure, and duplication of efforts. Dr. Mbaka also highlighted Uganda’s progressive efforts in establishing a legal framework for digital health.

The Data Protection and Privacy Act 2019 governs the collection and processing of personal data. The Access to Information Act 2005 provides for the right to access information pursuant to Article 41 of the Constitution. Harnessing ICT is a high priority for the government, as outlined in the National Development Plan 2040.

Professor Sharifah Sekalala of the University of Warwick stressed the importance of data policies and laws in digitalising health systems, which leads to strategic decision-making and research. She emphasised that “data policies and laws are crucial in ensuring that digital health systems are designed and implemented in ways that prioritise patient safety, privacy, and security.”

However, despite these existing laws, stakeholders advised that a single, uniform law would be more effective in regulating digital health in Uganda. They emphasised the need for a comprehensive and harmonised legal framework to ensure seamless implementation and enforcement.

The regional health stakeholders’ meeting marks a significant step towards strengthening digital health regulation in East Africa, ensuring the safe and effective use of health data to enhance healthcare delivery.