The Right to Health in Action
By Danielle Fox (Thursday, Sep 17, 2009)
What is GHAC?
PHR’s Global Health Action Campaign works with health professionals, students, and concerned citizens to advocate for effective, well-funded, integrated health systems that are equitable and accessible to all. The Campaign aims to establish the right to health as the framework governments use to develop, implement, and fund health programs. The right to health is a means to hold governments accountable for the health of their populations and for meeting their international obligations.
In order for the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health to be achieved, it is vital that health professionals, using their unique skills and knowledge, integrate the Right to Health into their work.
How does the Health Profession Fit into the Right to Health Movement?
Dr. Paul Volberding is great example of a physician who has dedicated his life to raising the standard of health and healthcare across the globe. He has served as chair of the Scientific Advisory Board Chair to the Infectious Disease Institute at Makerere University in Kampala Uganda, member on the Committee of the Institute of Medicine and President of the HIV Medicine Association of Infectious Disease Society of America. In addition to these roles, Dr. Volberding also advises PHR’s new Global Health Action Campaign. As the future of the health workforce, it is vital that you, the current medical students, understand the importance of integrating the Right to Health into your work, just like Dr. Volberding.
Read Dr. Volberding’s Profile to learn more about his work.
How Can You Get Involved?
Educate your peers about the importance of incorporating the Right to Health approach in their current and future work. Get involved in key global health issues to advance the Right to Health, such as our current fall action to support harm reduction programs. (Note: the deadline for this action has been extended to 9/21.)
If you have any questions about the Global Health Action Campaign or would like additional information on global health events or actions, please contact Danielle.
