EAC health data governance framework expected in 2024

The East African Community (EAC) health data governance framework is under development and expected to be approved in early 2024, EAC Principal Health Officer, Dr Eric Nzeyimana, has said. Nzeyimana made the revelation on November 19, at the closure of a two-day consultative forum on health data governance, held in Rwanda from November 18 to 19 under the theme “Unlocking the Power of Digital Transformation for a Healthier EAC.” ALSO READ: Kigali hosts first regional inter-parliamentary forum on digital health, data governance The meeting sought to deliberate on EAC Regional and Continental Health Data Governance initiatives and Digital Health Agenda, and how to leverage digital data for universal healthcare. It was convened by EAC, the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), and HELINA – a Pan African Health Informatics Association, and the African regional representation of the International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA). Nzeyimana indicated that the 23rd Sectoral Council of Ministers of Health that was held in February this year directed the EAC Secretariat to develop the framework. He said the EAC Secretariat through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)-funded Integrated Health Programme and USAID-funded Local Health System Sustainability project has engaged a consultant who has started to develop the EAC regional health data governance framework. The fully-fledged EAC health data governance framework is expected to be in place within six months and the process of development is very consultative, with EALA becoming the first EAC organ to be consulted on this, he pointed out. He added that the EAC Secretariat plans to establish the EAC Health Enterprise Architecture blueprint once the health data framework is approved. ALSO READ: Why EAC needs to harmonise health data governance Regarding why health data governance framework matters, he said it is key in managing risks and safeguarding individual rights, among other things. For him, strong digital systems are key to successful health programmes as the world becomes more technologically advanced, but also necessary to facilitate easier access to health information to inform policy and practice, as well as facilitate accountability of results for better health outcomes. “Therefore, to fully realise the benefits of this digital transformation, it is essential to establish robust and effective governance frameworks for the health data that is being shared,” he observed. Gaps to be addressed by health data governance Nzeyimana said the health data governance framework will build confidence in EAC Partner States as they keep on sharing data as part of efforts to improve regional cooperation on health. This will be done through adopting globally accepted “health data governance principles” in order to protect people, promote health value, and prioritise equity, he indicated. “By doing this, among other things, EAC will build trust in data systems, ensure data security, protect individuals and communities, and so forth,” he observed. Currently, he said, while the EAC does not have a data governance framework, the EAC Partner States continue sharing data by relying on the mandate drawn from the EAC Treaty. On existing gaps, he cited delays in sharing health data which negatively affects response or medical planning, as well as a situation where some data is not shared as it is considered sensitive. HELINA President-elect Steven, Wanyee Macharia, said in terms of the key highlights that have already been achieved through the aforementioned consultative forum, there is an emphasis on improved governance, where the discussions underscored the importance of lawfully developing enhanced governance of health data that focuses on privacy, ownership, sharing and access. “These are essential for the East African Community in terms of operationalising integration and ensuring that East Africans have access to high-quality affordable healthcare,” he said. MP Ayason Mukulia Kennedy, Chairperson of the Committee on General Purpose at EALA, said they are committed to strengthening health data governance in the EAC region. “We are committed to passing laws and regulations, which will send a strong message to the EAC Secretariat, our Partner States, or other stakeholders on the importance of health data and its governance,” he observed. For EALA MP Fatuma Ndangiza, countries should put effort into technology in the health sector by leveraging health data, but also ensure that adequate funding is allocated to that end — “to ensure quality healthcare for our people, and universal health coverage by 2030 as a sustainable development goal.”

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EAC health data governance framework expected in 2024