Namibia rejects US health data sharing proposal over sovereignty and privacy concerns

This decision comes as Namibia seeks alternative funding for its HIV programs, which could amount to N$730 million annually. Government officials stated that the proposed agreement, which would grant the US government extensive access to Namibians' medical data, infringes upon the constitutional right to privacy and national sovereignty over biological resources. The US government confirmed in November 2025 that it would withdraw the biological specimen sharing agreement from funding negotiations, though discussions on broader health data sharing continue.

The Namibian government argues that the proposed terms contravene the country's Access to Biological and Generic Resources and Associated Knowledge Act and the Public and Environmental Health Act. This bilateral agreement also risks undermining Namibia's position in ongoing negotiations for the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing system under the World Health Organisation pandemic agreement. Independent Patriots for Change IPC member of parliament Lilani Brinkman and former health minister Richard Kamwi have both voiced support for the government's stance, emphasizing the importance of data sovereignty.

The US government, under its America First Global Health Strategy, aims to provide direct funding to African and Latin American go