On August 23rd, 2023, the Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV and AIDS (KELIN) hosted a webinar targeting human rights lawyers from across Africa. The primary aim of the webinar was to disseminate the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health’s thematic report on Digital Innovation, Technologies and the Right to Health.
Attended by 32 Lawyers with representation from Private Law Firms, Center for Health Human Rights and Development – CEHURD, Centre for Women Justice Uganda, SECTION27, Lawyers Alert – Nigeria, The SAMRC/Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science (PRICELESS SA) and Ghana Network of Persons living with HIV, the webinar created a platform for critical discussions at the intersection of digital technology, human rights, and healthcare.
The webinar prominently focused on three main aspects: the right to privacy, right to information and digital health and governance within the digital health landscape. The discussions revolved around how rapid innovation could outstrip development and its subsequent impact on the inclusivity and accessibility of digital health services.
Several notable recommendations emerged from these conversations. Firstly, there was a strong call for the creation of inclusive community guidelines that transcend language barriers, ensuring accessibility to digital health services for everyone.
Participants recommended that governments take leadership in subsidizing digital health services for their citizens to enhance accessibility and make health services more affordable, especially for marginalized populations.
The lawyers also emphasized the significance of using existing laws to protect digital health rights, especially concerning privacy. While legal frameworks often lag behind technological advancements, participants recognized the immediate and vital need to safeguard individual rights in the digital realm.
In summary, this webinar showcased a collective commitment to addressing the intricate challenges posed by digital health technologies in Africa. It emphasized the importance of balancing innovation with human rights and accessibility in the digital health landscape.
See some of the materials from the webinar:
UN Special Rapporteur Report and The Side event at the UNHCR.
Data Mining Uncovered, is your data safe?
Uncover the truth behind your Digital Health Rights
The future of Health Care, Boundaries shattered, Utopia Unveiled.
To contribute to the discussion, follow KELIN on our social media platforms.
Twitter: @KELINKenya
http://www.facebook.com/kelinkenya
For more information, please contact.
Pauline Omoto
Program Associate
Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV & AIDS (KELIN)
Kuwinda Lane, Karen C, off Langáta Road
Email: paulineomoto@gmail.com
