“Health Data Governance in Rwanda is led by the Rwanda Health Informatics Alliance (RHIA), in partnership with the Pan African Health Informatics Association (HELINA) and Transform Health. As the national convener, RHIA coordinates, implements, and advances the governance agenda, and through active advocacy and a visible social media presence that highlights regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing, it reinforces its role as both Rwanda’s lead organization and a continental thought leader.
The national HDG effort is guided under the leadership of Sylvere Mugumya, President of RHIA, and Joselyne Nzayisenga, who leads Health Data Governance initiatives.
Looking Ahead
The next phase focuses on action: Training health data professionals, connecting digital health systems, launching public awareness efforts, and Supporting health facilities across the country. The long-term vision is clear: a trusted, secure, and connected health data system that improves health outcomes and inspires other African countries.
Cross-Border Alignment
Rwanda knows it cannot work alone. Its health data governance efforts align with East African Community frameworks and broader African initiatives led by the Africa CDC. This cooperation helps countries respond better to regional health threats.
Importantly, the Rwanda Health Informatics Alliance (RHIA) joins over 170 global organizations, including governments and NGOs, in endorsing the Health Data Governance Principles, which emphasize equitable data use, privacy by design, and stakeholder inclusion, mirroring Rwanda’s TWG priorities.
By embedding itself in continental and global networks, Rwanda ensures its governance model is scalable and replicable for other countries.
Conclusion
Health data carries people’s most personal stories, and when governed with care, integrity, and purpose, it has the power to save lives rather than cause harm. By proving that technology must be guided by trust, fairness, and accountability, Rwanda is building a people-first digital health future, this is the true meaning of health data governance.