Ghana rejects US health deal over data-sharing concerns

Ghana has rejected a proposed health deal with the US over provisions that would have allowed US entities access to the nation’s sensitive health data without necessary safeguards, an official said. It was the latest African country to walk away from the deal over similar concerns. Arnold Kavaarpuo, executive director of Ghana’s Data Protection Commission, said the scope of data access requested “went far beyond what would typically be required for the purpose for which it’s stated.” The US State Department did not immediately respond to AP’s inquiry about the Ghanaian official’s comments. The US has struck such health deals with nearly two dozen African nations under the Trump administration’s “America First” approach to global health funding.

The new approach that kicked off late last year replaces a patchwork of previous health agreements under the now-dismantled United States Agency for International Development.