Reimagining human rights in global health: what will it take?

Khosla, Rajat; Allotey, Pascale; Gruskin, Sofia

doi:10.1136/bmjgh-2022-010373

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 7 publications

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“…In this regard, multilateral organisations, in particular UN institutions, are considered as central actors and funders. However, consistent with the presented findings, less dependence of those organisations on external actors and more global authority is required as well as the application of feminist principles to economic decisions [62,80,81].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 86%

Towards a Feminist Global Health Policy: Power, intersectionality, and transformation

Eger,

Chacko,

El-Gamal

et al. 2024

PLOS Glob Public Health

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In the realm of global health policy, the intricacies of power dynamics and intersectionality have become increasingly evident. Structurally embedded power hierarchies constitute a significant concern in achieving health for all and demand transformational change. Adopting intersectional feminist approaches potentially mitigates health inequities through more inclusive and responsive health policies. While feminist approaches to foreign and development policies are receiving increasing attention, they are not accorded the importance they deserve in global health policy. This article presents a framework for a Feminist Global Health Policy (FGHP), outlines the objectives and underlying principles and identifies the actors responsible for its meaningful implementation. Recognising that power hierarchies and societal contexts inherently shape research, the proposed framework was developed via a participatory research approach that aligns with feminist principles. Three independent online focus groups were conducted between August and September 2022 with 11 participants affiliated to the global-academic or local-activist level and covering all WHO regions. The qualitative content analysis revealed that a FGHP must be centred on considerations of intersectionality, power and knowledge paradigms to present meaningful alternatives to the current structures. By balancing guiding principles with sensitivity for context-specific adaptations, the framework is designed to be applicable locally and globally, whilst its adoption is intended to advance health equity and reproductive justice, with communities and policymakers identified as the main actors. This study underscores the importance of dismantling power structures by fostering intersectional and participatory approaches for a more equitable global health landscape. The FGHP framework is intended to initiate debate among global health practitioners, policymakers, researchers and communities. Whilst an undeniably intricate and time-consuming process, continuous and collaborative work towards health equity is imperative to translate this vision into practice.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 86%

Towards a Feminist Global Health Policy: Power, intersectionality, and transformation

Eger,

Chacko,

El-Gamal

et al. 2024

PLOS Glob Public Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Addressing healthcare vulnerabilities in nursing homes

Komorowski,

Demmer,

Auer

et al. 2024

Wien Klin Wochenschr

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Summary Background Current demographic changes bear challenges for national care systems due to higher life expectancy of older citizens. Largely cut off from society, nursing home residents are at risk for violence, neglect, and other potential human rights violations. This study aimed to investigate healthcare vulnerabilities in nursing homes and evaluate the Austrian National Preventive Mechanism (NPM). Methods Between 2017 and 2019, 55 monitoring visits were conducted in 32 nursing homes. Study outcomes from two Austrian provinces included data on infrastructure, occupancy, staffing, resident’s demographics and medical conditions, as well as measures related to the functioning of the NPM. Results Accessibility with mobility aids was sufficient in 87%, but assistance for persons with visual or hearing impairments solely in 20–40% of the institutions. An understaffing with nursing assistants (−5.2 full-time equivalents in Carinthia) and home helpers (−1.6 in Carinthia and Styria) was present. Less than 20% of the personnel received advanced training related to dementia and neuropsychiatric care. While 50% of the residents were diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder, approximately 36% received support from an appointed legal guardian. Of the monitoring visits 58.1% were conducted due to anonymous complaints and urgent referrals. The median processing times of the NPM and the provincial governments exceeded 250 days. Conclusion Human rights monitoring reveals critical aspects in nursing home care, including insufficient accessibility, understaffing and inadequate training. Although the authorities’ handling times hinder prompt responses, the NPM may foster systemic improvements and accountability within nursing homes.

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