While current approaches to collecting health data have begun to address issues relevant to human rights, such as discrimination, equality and the participation of affected communities in decisions which impact on them, existing strategies in relation to human rights may have a lot to offer these efforts. From the human rights side, beginning to focus more on health related issues has brought attention to the impact of laws, policies and governmental actions on health. A combined health and human rights approach to data collection could bring increased attention to reducing the gaps between those who enjoy better health and better services and those who, for civil, political, economic, social or cultural reasons, are more vulnerable to ill-health and to inadequate services and structures. Likewise, the public health community, within the United States as well as in the rest of the world, should make increased use of human rights mechanisms as they may be a useful tool for generating governmental accountability in relation to health concerns. The United Nations bodies responsible for monitoring implementation of human rights norms and standards can provide a useful avenue for public health practitioners who collect health data to hold governments accountable for what they do and do not do in health related areas. See www.hsph.harvard.edu/fxbcenter
Learning Objectives: At the end of the session, participants will be able to: 1) discuss application of human rights methodology to analysis of health data and policy formulation 2) articulate the process of holding governments accountable under human rights norms for health issues
Keywords: Policy/Policy Development, Human Rights
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.