Abstract:
Technology has the capacity for helping African citizens realize their basic rights. The
recent introduction of the disruptive technology—3D printing—has the potential to
impact millions of lives through a variety of revolutionary medical solutions, including
surgery and the treatment of intractable health conditions. As the technology progresses,
so does the practical enjoyment of health rights. This chapter argues that the human
rights-based approach to 3D printing technology can be helpful in focusing discussions
and actions on health well-being and security for individuals in Africa. Having first analyzed the impact of the technology in revolutionizing healthcare, the chapter provides an
overview of the complex health challenges this young continent is faced with. Further,
it also explores the most relevant African regional laws and standards, guidelines and
policy initiatives requiring African governments to use technologies that can advance
the human right to health. It concludes that the healthcare agenda of African countries
needs to be better integrated and coordinated to ensure that the technologies have a positive impact on health rights. It further concludes that the African Union Commission
should promote the researching and utilization of this technology in the implementation
of national health policies and strategies of African countries.
Keywords: 3D printing, access to healthcare, Africa, human rights, technology
