Exploring the Challenges and Legal Implications of Secondary Use of Health Data in South Africa

Bibliographic Data

ID19516726
AuthorsAliki Edgcumbe (0000-0002-9771-459X, University of KwaZulu-Natal, corresponding author), Adéle Strydom (0000-0002-3975-629X, University of Pretoria), Donrich Thaldar (0000-0002-7346-3490, University of KwaZulu-Natal), Michael Sean Pepper (0000-0001-6406-2380, University of Pretoria)
Year2026
Publication date2026-06-15
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueDeveloping World Bioethics (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1471-8731 • E-ISSN: 1471-8847
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/dewb.70047
PMID42290389
OpenAlexW7164820063
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited46

The sharing of health data advances knowledge, fosters innovation, and promotes evidence‐based decision‐making. This practice involves using existing data for collaborative research or for purposes other than those for which it was originally collected. In South Africa, the secondary use of health data has significant potential to inform policy decisions, advance scientific research, and address societal challenges. However, the use of health data for secondary purposes in the public health sector is faced with several challenges and legal complexities. This article examines these challenges and legal dimensions, with particular attention to the regulatory framework governing health data in South Africa, including issues of consent, privacy, data ownership, and intellectual property rights. Understanding these legal considerations enables stakeholders to navigate the complexities of secondary data use in an ethically sound and legally compliant manner

Best practice · Data sharing · Health data · Intellectual property · Open data · Public health · Data Analysis and Archiving · Ethics in Clinical Research · Research Data Management Practices · Health Policy

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