Global health governance Flashcards
Decolonization
Decolonization is the process of addressing and undoing the effects of colonialism, which often involved one country taking control over another and imposing its own culture, systems, and values. In the context of health, decolonization means recognizing and challenging how colonial histories and power imbalances have shaped health systems and practices. It involves:
- Acknowledging that colonial histories have impacted health inequalities and practices.
- Respecting and integrating local knowledge and practices that were often overlooked or suppressed by colonial powers.
- Empowering local communities to take control of their own health and healthcare decisions.
Overall, decolonization aims to create a more equitable and just approach to health by addressing past injustices and valuing diverse perspectives and practices.
Global Health System
It’s complex!
(ostensibly) There is a coordinated effort to address global health issues
Important because health problems transcend borders
Today we’re going to talk about some of the key players:
* International organisations
* National/local organisations
* Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)
* Private sector
* Donors/funders
Key International Organizations
United Nations and UN organisations:
* World Health Organization (governed by World Health Assembly)
* UNICEF
* Others as relevant (e.g., UNHCR, UNDP, UNFAO)
Development Banks
* International Monetary Fund
* World Bank
* Regional Banks (e.g., ADB, AfDB, IADB)
The United Nations Explained
was made after ww1 countries wanted to prevent horrific world conflicts, leaders of these countries created the League of nations, dedicated to preventing the outbreak of further wars
this failed in ww2, league was wholey ineffective in preventing war.
UN born after ww2, after the ratification of “the charter of the UNITED NATIONS” between US, UK, china, france, soviet union
UN has 6 principle organs, that oversee the organisations main functions:
- general assembly
- security council
- economic and social concil
- int. court of justice
- the UN secretariat
- trusteeship council
- general assembly deals with
questions of international peace
admission of member states
un budget
security council
maintaining global peace and security
- economic and social concil
has jurisdiction over matters of economy, social welfare, environment and international development
ICJ
rules on matters of international law
Key Public National/Local Organizations
Ministries/Departments of Health
Public health agencies (e.g., CDC in USA)
Regulatory bodies (e.g., TGA in Australia)
Social security programs (e.g., NHS in UK, Medicare in Australia)
Civil Society Organisations
Non-Governmental Organisations
Community Groups
Unions
Faith-based organisations
Professional associations
You might like to read more on ‘Structural Adjustment’
Civil Society Organisations
Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders, MSF)
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
Save the Children
International Planned Parenthood Federation
Private sector
Pharmaceutical companies
Health insurers
Private healthcare
Donors/funders
