Data Sharing Initiative

Enabling MSF to share health research data

The people we treat are among the world’s most vulnerable and marginalised. MSF has a responsibility to share health data collected in MSF projects, as especially data on health interventions in these locations is scarce. This evidence is crucial as it can help improve health policy and decision-making.

In 2019, MSF OCA/Manson Unit and the Japan Innovation Unit started a collaboration building on the outcomes of the Health Data Sharing project. The Data Sharing Initiative is developing a system that will enable MSF to share health data with external actors, such as health policy developers, in a reliable, transparent, and consistent manner, while protecting the anonymity of our patients.

Progress so far

Building on the initial concept note, a framework for sharing MSF health data was established. A database structure to fit this framework was developed in November 2022. The database was developed in 2023. It has been tested and is now being piloted. It will be evaluated and revised where needed. The project will be finalized by mid-2024.

Specialty
Database innovation
Schedule
2019 - current
Clients
MSFOCA Medical and Manson Unit
Partners:
MSF Operational Centre Amsterdam, MSF Manson Unit, MSF Research　Management and Impact Tool (REMIT), MSF Intersectional Legal Department, MSF Health Information Systems Departments