Commentary

Emergency health technology needs governance, not enthusiasm alone

Digital tools may extend access while quietly transferring risk to patients and health workers.

Dr Sarah Bennett Affiliations & notes a HSRC Research Programme Professor Michael Grant Affiliations & notes b Global Health Policy Institute
Affiliations & notes
  • a HSRC Research Programme
  • b Global Health Policy Institute
Publication date: 28 September 2026 DOI: 10.5555/hsrc.en.commentary.002
Emergency health technology needs governance, not enthusiasm alone
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Abstract

This commentary considers how rapid adoption can be balanced with privacy and safe decision-making.

Full text

Technology offers real value in resource-constrained settings, but urgency does not remove accountability.

Start with the problem

Teams should define the decision or service they need to improve before selecting a platform.

Data protection is patient safety

Health data carries heightened risk in conflict settings, requiring data minimisation and strict access controls.

References

  1. Principles for health-data protection.
  2. Guidance on responsible technology in emergencies.

Citation information

Bennett S. Emergency health technology needs governance. HSRC. 2026.

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Discussion

Demo Reader

A useful contribution. Thank you for sharing this experience.