Talk

The Voice of Youth: Health Privacy in the Era of Extreme Transparency

Thursday June 23, 15:40, Alternative Stage GNO

Mary Ann Nobele, Member of the  SNF Nostos Youth Advisory Committee

The importance of medical confidentiality concerns, among other things, the patient's sense of security in relation to the medical information they share and the treatment they get in a climate of trust. However, the protection of patients' privacy is often not a given and this impedes access to health services for vulnerable groups.

“One of the most important issues for young people in South Africa is that they do not want to share their private health data with doctors,” said Mary Ann Nobele in her speech about the obstacles that young people encounter in accessing health care. In this context, she explained that many young girls in South Africa are exposed to risks such as sexually transmitted infections and that early motherhood makes them vulnerable and trapped in a cycle of poverty. Although free health services are provided in hospitals, many young people choose not to use them, as they are concerned that they will be criticized by nursing staff, she added.

Mary Ann Nobele described on stage how when she went to a clinic due to problems with her period, the staff, unable to help her, criticized her decision to take contraceptives. She also pointed out that she later had to visit a private practice for her treatment, while her health condition had deteriorated significantly.

Concluding her speech, she stressed that many people around the world face a similar situation. “The healthcare system should respect young people and be sensitive and private to ensure that young people do not feel ashamed simply because they want to get their health condition in their hands,” she said.