Sensitive data protection ‘vital’

THERE is a need for more streamlining and protection of sensitive data related to sexual and reproductive services across the Pacific.

This was one of the key issues highlighted at an International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) Quality Care Workshop held in Pacific Harbour last week.

Representatives from nine Pacific member associations of groups working with the IPPF were in attendance.

According to Sera Vulavou, the senior monitoring and evaluation officer IPPF sub regional Pacific office, the nature of the work they did was quite sensitive.

“We are providing sexual and reproductive health services and information and for us, our target groups are women, young people and those who we would consider vulnerable,” she said.

“So really, our clients with disabilities, those who are from the far and hard to reach places - these are usually our target groups.

“And because of the sensitivity of the work that we do, we try to ensure that while we’re providing services and information, it’s delivered with quality but also at the same time, we’re trying to build capacity of our nurses and data officers.”

Ms Vulavou said the meet was an opportunity for them to learn tools and practices which they could implement in their home countries.

“From Fiji’s perspective, we work very closely with the Ministry of Health and there’s a standard that you have to comply with. The sensitivity of the work we do, the services that we provide, but also, at the same time, the focus around our clients.

“We are now working towards a client-centred and client-centric approach, meaning their experience at our clinics needs to be of high quality and also at the standard where we can comply nationally.”