Global Trade and Health Activism: A Report from the People's Health Assembly

In 2000, at the first People's Health Assembly (PHA), the People's Charter for Health was created as a tool for global health activism to realize the promise of Alma Ata of primary health care for all. Within the progressive framework of this charter, it is prominently recognized that the policies of global trade and lending, and the unfettered activities of transnational corporations, negatively shape health and healthcare access. The charter calls for a global people's health movement to, amongst other goals, reformulate global trading systems to respect and protect social, economic, environmental and health rights of all people. The third PHA, scheduled for July 2012, is expected to bring together 1200 health activists from around the world – particularly from the global south – to Cape Town, South Africa, wherein trade and health will be a central theme. This paper provides a brief history of global trade and health activism, highlighting traditional obstacles facing such transnational health-based social movements. It will then report on the trade-focused activities of the PHA3 meeting, and will outline the common organizing principles and goals identified for coordinating global trade and health activism. This paper will also present the educational approach developed by the International People's Health University (IPHU), which organizes short courses and other learning opportunities for health activist from around the world. The IPHU will run a short course for health activists to precede the PHA3, which will create a setting for collaborative learning and action planning on global trade and health challenges.