The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #37533

Katia S. Mohindra, BSc, MSc, Unité de santé internationale, Université de Montréal, 2375 chemin de la Cote Ste-Catherine, Pavillon Marguerite d'Youville, Montréal, QC H3T 1A8, Canada, (514)731-4699, katia.mohindra@umontreal.ca

The relationship between structural adjustment programs(SAPs) and health has been one of the most important public health debates in developing countries over the past couple of decades. Critics argue that SAPs have had a detrimental effect on population health, particularly on the poor, while proponents believe that although there may be some initial suffering during the implementation of the policies, in the long run, SAPs produce greater wealth, and improved population health. Thus far, the discourse has been dominated by economists and those in the medical field. Health promotion, an area in public health concerned with equity, community and a re-conceptualisation of health offers new dimensions to the ongoing debate. There is a need for greater involvement of health promoters and civil society in the debate, in a movement towards developing 'healthy public policies'.The participant will develop an understanding of the SAP-health debate and the associated controversy which surrounds it, as well as being able to identify how SAPs have impacted on health. The participant will also be able to describe health promotion, and how it's philosophical and methodological approaches can be used to inform the SAP-health debate. Participants will be encouraged to challenge the current paradigm in which the current SAP-health debate is situated, a 'sectoralised' debate limited by it's methodological approaches and 'examination of the evidence', due to a narrow definition of health and a limited outlook on the factors that impact on health.

Learning Objectives:

• The participant will develop an understanding of the SAP-health debate and the associated controversy which surrounds it, as well as being able to identify how SAPs have impacted on health. The participant will also be able to describe health promotion, and how it's philosophical and methodological approaches can be used to inform the SAP-health debate. Participants will be encouraged to challenge the current paradigm in which the current SAP-health debate is situated, a 'sectoralised' debate limited by it's methodological approaches and 'examination of the evidence', due to a narrow definition of health and a limited outlook on the factors that impact on health.

Keywords: Public Health Policy, Health Promotion

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.