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The use of technology in global health humanitarian settings: how theory plays out in practice

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Abstract

Purpose

This research seeks to provide an overview of guidelines from the Handbook for Data Protection in Humanitarian Settings, which is relevant to humanitarian technologies in global health settings; specifically, biometrics, digital identity, and social media will be studied.

Methods

There will be a primary focus on the International Committee of the Red Cross’ Handbook on Data Protection in Humanitarian Action as these areas are explored to compare the theoretical data protection guidelines with their practical outcomes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Though there is evidence that ethical and justice-related considerations are made during the implementation of global health technology, there are still areas that are lacking. There is evidence of a need for greater critical analysis of current evaluation tools used for humanitarian technology, while tools which will be developed in the future need an equity focus in their design. Moreover, data experts and the officials making decisions on the use of data should have training or background in basic humanitarian principles and considerations. One final overarching next step is the greater involvement of humanitarian actors in policymaking and the setting of regulations.

Conclusions

The use of digital data collection, storage, analysis, and dissemination tools has begun to take over global health humanitarian landscape, and there needs to be a stronger focus on monitoring and strengthening the ethical use of these technologies. Humanitarian actors, as well as governmental stakeholders, need to take steps to protect the human rights of those affected in these contexts.

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Abbreviations

NGO:

Non–governmental Organization

COVID:

19–Coronavirus disease 2019

ICRC:

International Committee of the Red Cross

HDPHA:

Handbook on Data Protection in Humanitarian Action

DPIA:

Data Protection Impact Assessment

UNHCR:

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

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Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Dr. Sonya de Laat for her dedication and expertise. Thanks also to Swagat and Monty for their help throughout the many iterations of this work.

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This research received no funding.

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  1. McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada

    Thilini Herath

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  1. Thilini Herath
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Correspondence to Thilini Herath.

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Herath, T. The use of technology in global health humanitarian settings: how theory plays out in practice. Health Technol. 14, 407–415 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12553-024-00817-y

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