Chapter 1: Digital Innovation, Technologies and the Right to Sexual and Reproductive Health

Digital innovation and emerging technologies are significantly transforming the right to health, including Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). These technologies, encompassing a wide array of tools and services, have become increasingly crucial, particularly with the expansion of mobile phone networks in developing nations and the accelerated adoption resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. In African countries, digital health solutions are being increasingly utilised for various healthcare services, including remote consultations and health awareness initiatives. While offering vast opportunities, the increasing reliance on digital technologies in health also introduces risks, particularly concerning the right to privacy, data security and potential misuse of sensitive personal health information. This chapter provides an overview of the motivation behind this book, highlighting the critical need to leverage digital innovation for advancing SRHR in Africa, and then outlines the book’s structure and content. A robust normative framework is essential to guide the application of these technologies in a manner that respects and promotes the right to health while ensuring that they do not undermine socio-economic rights.