Artificial Intelligence, Data Capitalism, and Bioethics in Sub-Sahara Africa
Abstract: There has been an increase in the digitalisation of healthcare data in Sub-Sahara Africa because of its potential to improve the health outcomes of the people. This includes individual’s clinical records (symptoms, diagnoses, test results), image data such as photographs and X-rays and self-monitoring data (exercise, heart rate). Where there is large volume digital data, there is potential for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In this article we focus on non-knowledge-based AI such as data mining. Often little attention is given to how the collection, collation, usage, ownership, and control of digital health data fits with local ethical systems. This paper seeks to explore the application of Ubuntu ethics to digital data in Sub-Sahara Africa’s healthcare system. Ubuntu is an ancient ethical system practiced across Sub-Sahara Africa by the Bantu speaking people, and it is best explained by the Nguni proverb, “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu”, translated as “a person is a person through other persons”. Ubuntu ethics put the community and the social good before an individual and does not regard an individual as an autonomous private being. Consequently, the individual has little latitude for self-determination outside the context of the community. Fundamentally, Ubuntu is not opposed to personal data sharing as it does not believe that an individual is a private being. However, it is on condition that collected data brings about social good for the community. In western cultures, the collection of electronic data raises serious ethical challenges about patient privacy, autonomy, consent, and confidentiality. In this paper, using the example of a specific health issue, we will consider the challenges in relation to electronic health data within the Ubuntu ethic. Who is the community? What is a community benefit? Who decides?
Author bio: Golden Lwando Mwinsa is Chevening and Commonwealth Scholar studying for a PhD in bioethics at the University Warwick, in the Social Science and Systems in Health Unit (SSSU), Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School. He is a Public Health and Social Development Professional with 13 years practical experience in Zambia and Sierra Leone.
Frances Griffiths is Professor of Medicine in Society at University of Warwick, South Africa Chairs Initiative Professor of South Africa Research Chairs Initiative Award Holder, Centre for Health Policy, University of the Witwatersrand, Fellow of the Alan Turning Institute and co-chair of the Institute’s Data Ethics Group. As a social scientist she specialises in research on social, health, health service and health policy implications of innovation in health care including the use of digital communication. She is an experienced general medical practitioner (GP) currently working as a GP in Coventry, UK.
Benjamin Ferguson is Professor of Philosophy and Director of PPE at the University of Warwick, United Kingdom, and member of the Warwick International Higher Education Academy, among other memberships. He has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and has co-authored several books. His research interests include exploitation, consumer choices, labour, trade justice, migration, and human rights. He has also presented at several international conferences.
Recorded Presentation | 26 April 2023
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