Cross-Border Health Data Transfers from Nigeria

Navigating the Legal and Ethical Landscape

authored by: Iheanyi Samuel Nwankwo
Abstract: The intersection of privacy and ethics forms a critical nexus in the domain of health data management, particularly in the context of cross-border transfers. Nigeria’sNigeria dynamic healthcare sector, characterized by diverse data sources and stakeholders, presents unique challenges and opportunities for navigating this issue. This chapter delves into Nigeria’sNigeria intricate landscape of health data processing, examining the legal, ethical, and practical dimensions of cross-border data transfers. It scrutinizes Nigeria’sNigeria regulatory framework to assess its alignment with international data protection standards and their effectiveness in safeguarding individual privacy in healthcare. The chapter argues that while the potential for cross-border health dataNigerian Health Data Ethics processing to contribute to medical advancements and public health is immense, the legal and ethical framework for such transfers is complex and faces significant challenges. It proposes a comprehensive framework for health data governance in NigeriaNigeria to address the identified challenges. This framework encompasses investing in digital infrastructure, strengthening legal mechanisms, establishing clear guidelines for cross-border data transfers, and fostering a culture of ethical responsibility among stakeholders to build and maintain public trust. By navigating the complex privacy-ethics maze, NigeriaNigeria can harness the power of health data for societal benefit while upholding its citizens’ fundamental rights and well-being.
Organisation(s): Institute of Legal Informatics
External Organisation(s): Privacy Hub Africa
Type: Contribution to book/anthology
Pages: 195-218
No. of pages: 24
Publication date: 04.02.2024
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Law, Management of Technology and Innovation
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-9983-1_10 (Access: Closed)