Ciara: blog post #4

 Ciara Farrell

International politics

Blog Post #4

The nations global health networks should be concerned with all countries that exist and the well- being of the population without under-representing anyone. A lot of global health organizations such as WHO, the World Health Organization, are not fully representing the global population and look past countries that are developing as well as certain populations such as women and those of the global south. The article, “Silenced Voices in Global Health” agrees that WHO is supposed to be dedicated to the well- being of all people and to give everyone an equal opportunity to live a healthy life. There is a lack of women and people from the global south being represented as well as being in leadership positions in global health. This lack of diversity, as it consists of mainly wealthy white men from developed countries, is causing much underrepresentation and will not allow for equality. This organization cannot boast their strive for equality since the people in power do not represent the global population, therefore it is not equal. 

Many of the movements and efforts taking place in order to promote equality and representation are unable to be heard in councils that actually make the decisions. The article released titled “Silenced Voices in Global Health” reflects that non- governmental organizations (NGOs) are not allowed to make any decisions or have a voice that will be accessible to policy changes. Smaller NGOs, which might be more representative of the global south, do not hold enough power or have enough donors to get close enough to those policy makers that might be able to make changes. This is a system that is doomed to fail and bring those from the global south less of a chance to be heard. Even if women are included, it is usually those who are privileged by being well educated, growing up in developed countries, and such allowing them to have those opportunities. Therefore, they are also not accurately representing women from the global south. 

Women in Global health is a global movement that strives to make sure women are included in policy making and higher positions so they can be heard. Unfortunately since it is only a global movement and not representative of a specific area, that group has no influence in direct policy change but if that were to shift then more voices could be heard. Having a representative from this organization would be a great start at bringing more women into global health. Global health should prioritize being more inclusive to actually well represent the entire population. Without doing so, their entire premise of helping everyone have an equal chance at a healthy life cannot be true. The global south as well as women do not have enough say in decision making and there needs to be a shift in the power dynamics. 


Bertram, Katri. “Silenced Voices in Global Health: Think Global Health.” Council on Foreign Relations, 3 June 2020, https://www.thinkglobalhealth.org/article/silenced-voices-global-health. 


Comments

  1. Brooke WallaceApril 24, 2022 at 2:26 PM

    Ciara,
    Great job! You make an interesting point that the WHO's purported mission is to contribute to the well-being of all people and to give everyone an equal opportunity of the highest quality of life/health. However, I like that you focus on the reality of the situation and how a lack of diversity (women and people from global south) is causing underrepresentation which, in turn, contradicts the very premise of their organization. Within global health, there are many voices being overlooked and underrepresented minority groups. I definitely agree with you that there needs to be a shift in power dynamics to ensure that everyone is heard. These power dynamics clearly perpetuate health disparities. How do you think technology has affected global health? For the better or the worse? I think that the technological advances will have a huge impact on the future of global health - mostly for the better - because we can reach people we never thought we could.

    ReplyDelete
  2. John WallaceApril 27, 2022 at 10:42 AM

    Great job in showcasing these inequalities Ciara. Inequalities in the World Health organization is the antithesis of it's message. Any inequalities, favoritism, or corruption an endemic problem that harms peoples ability to get the healthcare they need while destroying the very message of the "world" health organization. What is the point of the WHO if it fails to provide equal access to it's services?

    What I'm saying is. What should be done to combat this issue? And if nothing can be done in a quick manner, should the WHO even continue to exist?

    ReplyDelete

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