The Nigerian Health Journal (TNHJ) is the official publication of the Nigerian Medical Association (Rivers State Chapter). It operates through its official journal website https://www.tnhjph.com/index.php/tnhj.  NMA Rivers State Branch and TNHJ is committed to safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of all personal information entrusted to us by authors, reviewers, readers, advertisers, and other users of our services.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, protect, and disclose personal information in the course of our editorial and publishing activities. By accessing or using our website or submission system, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.

1. Information We Collect

In the course of manuscript processing, publication management, subscriptions, and other journal-related services, TNHJ may collect personal information including, but not limited to:

1. Identification and Contact Information

• Full name, Professional title and highest qualification, Institutional affiliation, Field of specialisation, Email address, Telephone number and Mailing address.

1. Professional and Academic Information

• Employment details, educational background, Publication history, Reviewer expertise

1. Account and Login Details

• Username, Password (securely encrypted), Submission tracking credentials

1. Financial Information

• Payment confirmation details for Article Processing Charges (APC), Bank transfer documentation, Limited billing details (where applicable)

TNHJ does not store debit or credit card details unless processed through secure third-party payment platforms.

1. Technical and Usage Data

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain technical information such as:

• IP address, Browser type and version, Device information, Pages visited, Time and date of access and Duration of visit.

1. How We Use Personal Information

Personal information is collected and processed strictly for legitimate journal-related purposes, including:

• Processing manuscript submissions, managing peer review, communicating editorial decisions, publishing accepted articles, issuing invoices and confirming payments, improving journal operations and user experience, complying with legal and regulatory obligations,
• We process personal data based on one or more of the following lawful grounds: Performance of a publishing contract, legitimate academic and editorial interests, compliance with legal obligations, and user consent, where required.

Personal data will never be sold or commercially exploited.

1. Data Retention

TNHJ retains personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil:

• Editorial and publishing functions, Legal and regulatory requirements, and Archiving obligations.

Author and reviewer records may be retained as part of the journal’s permanent academic archive.

When personal data is no longer required, we will securely delete or anonymise it in accordance with applicable data protection principles.

1. Data Protection and Security

TNHJ maintains appropriate technical and organisational safeguards to protect personal information against:

• Unauthorised access, accidental loss, alteration, and disclosure.

Access to personal information is restricted to authorised editorial staff and service providers strictly on a need-to-know basis.

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and digital security measures consistent with academic publishing standards.

1. Browser and Analytics Data

When users access the TNHJ website, certain non-identifiable usage data may be collected automatically. This may include:

• IP address, Browser type, Referring pages, and Interaction statistics.

The journal may utilise analytic services to monitor website performance, traffic trends, and improve functionality. Such data is used in aggregate form and does not personally identify individual users.

1. Cookies Policy

TNHJ may use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Improve website performance, Track usage statistics, enhance user navigation, and Monitor website traffic patterns.

Cookies are small data files stored on a user’s device. Users may disable cookies through their browser settings; however, some website functions may not operate optimally if cookies are disabled.

By continuing to use the TNHJ website, users consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy.

1. Disclosure of Information

TNHJ does not share personal data with third parties except:

• When required by law
• When necessary for journal operations (e.g., manuscript management platforms, indexing services)
• When required to investigate suspected misconduct
• With the consent of the data subject

Any third-party service providers engaged by TNHJ are expected to uphold appropriate data protection standards.

1. User Rights

Where applicable under data protection regulations, users may have the right to:

• Request access to their personal information
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of data (subject to editorial record retention requirements)
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

Requests should be submitted using the contact details below.

1. Policy Updates

TNHJ reserves the right to revise this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in legal requirements, publishing practices, or operational needs.

Updated versions will be posted on the official journal platform with the effective date clearly indicated.

1. Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or requests relating to this Privacy Policy or data protection matters, please contact:

The Nigerian Health Journal (TNHJ)
Email: tnhjph@gmail.com; tnhjphinfo@gmail.com  

Phone: +2349159602776; +2347049689553
Publisher: Nigerian Medical Association (Rivers State Chapter)
NMA House, KM 16, East-West Road, Rivers State, Nigeria