As we continue to amplify efforts towards the development of a health data governance framework to regulate and protect health records of all individuals globally, it is imperative to not leave the media out of the conversation, but to partner them to ensure the message reaches the masses. 

In view of this key role, the Children and Youth In Broadcasting (Curious Minds) held a capacity building workshop on health data governance for media personnel at Crystal Palms Hotel in Tesano, Accra, as part of activities under the global campaign– My Data Our Health.

The selected journalists were introduced to health data governance in Ghana, the My Data Our Health campaign, and the need for a global framework on Thursday, 16th march, 2023. The training brought together diverse young media personnels from Citi TV/FM, Daily Statesman, The Finder, Daily Dispatch, Metro TV, EIB Network, Ghana web, Ghana Report, Hot Fm, Uniiq FM and Ghana Broadcasting Corporation.

Health data governance focuses on the regulation and protection of health data. It considers who collects the data, how it’s collected, who has access to it and its protection for the good of all. In Ghana, the Patient’s Charter is one of the few vital documents that addresses issues of health data collection and protection, of which most of the media personalities were oblivious to.

Kingsley Obeng-Kyereh, Executive Coordinator of Curious Minds, stressed the importance of understanding the patient’s charter and the need for the media to create awareness about it as the first point in advocating for health data governance.

A brief on how far the My Data Our Health campaign has come exposed the journalists to some lived experiences of some individuals and enabled them to reflect on some challenges they have faced regarding their health data. Inherently informing discussions on the need for the development of global health data governance framework, and why it was imperative to call on the Ministry of Health to sponsor a resolution towards the development of this framework at the World Health Organisation.

In conclusion, as health systems are becoming increasingly digitised, the importance of a globally accepted health data governance framework cannot be stressed enough. There is a need for conscious effort towards establishing a regulatory system that will keep up with the digitisation, while prioritising the rights and development of all, especially marginalised groups.