Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of Single-Cell Transcriptomics in Public Health Surveillance: Consent, Governance, Trust Implementation, and Equity Considerations

Ivan Mutebi

Department of Pharmacognosy Kampala International University Uganda

Email: ivan.mutebi@studwc.kiu.ac.ug

ABSTRACT

Single-cell transcriptomics is emerging as a powerful tool for public health surveillance, enabling high-resolution detection of pathogen activity, host responses, and environmental biological signals at unprecedented spatial and temporal scales. While this technology holds promise for improving early outbreak detection, monitoring zoonotic transmission, and strengthening population health preparedness within a One Health framework, it also raises significant ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI). This paper examines key issues surrounding the use of single-cell transcriptomic data in public health surveillance, focusing on informed consent, governance structures, privacy protection, trust-building, implementation challenges, and equity considerations. The analysis highlights tensions between public health imperatives and individual autonomy, particularly in contexts where biological samples or environmental materials may indirectly reveal identifiable human information. Risks of re-identification, misuse of sensitive genomic data, unequal access to technological benefits, and inadequate regulatory harmonization across jurisdictions are discussed. The paper further emphasizes the importance of transparent governance, multistakeholder engagement, accountable oversight mechanisms, and culturally sensitive risk communication in fostering public trust and social license. Special attention is given to disparities affecting low- and middle-income settings, where limited infrastructure, regulatory capacity, and historical inequities may hinder fair participation and benefit sharing. The study concludes that while single-cell transcriptomics could significantly enhance public health surveillance and global biosecurity, its responsible deployment requires robust ethical safeguards, adaptive legal frameworks, inclusive governance models, and sustained investment in equity-oriented implementation strategies.

Keywords: Single-cell transcriptomics, Public health surveillance, Informed consent and governance, Data privacy and trust, and Equity in genomic health.

CITE AS: Kungu Erisa (2026). Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of Single-Cell Transcriptomics in Public Health Surveillance: Consent, Governance, Trust Implementation, and Equity Considerations. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES 6(1):21-30. https://doi.org/10.59298/RIJBAS/2026/612130