For years I have been thinking and raising the point that to some different degrees, our health has been significantly influenced by politics dressed as democracy, human right or religion. Selfish and self-centered abuse of power produced by political systems or religious systems has served to provide planned benefits for individuals (such as fame, position…) or a system, a nation (such as economical growth), but the price has been paid by others. For example, I see important links between inciting wars with the need for gun sale of some countries, the resources existed in target countries (such as oil ), as well as the political gains internally or externally. I see the link between our individual, group or national selfishness and health challenges and health inequity. I see that religious wars have roots in politics. To be honest I am very afraid that in the name of democracy or religion we witness more wars, hunger and inequity in health.
Evelyne De leeuw and I had a presentation in a health promotion conference in regards to politics and religions as ignored determinants of health. I can send you our presentation slides if you are interested.
I wonder whether health promotion professional have any roles to play? Can we do better in highlighting these links and advocate for ethical politics (if possible!) , ethical economical growth (respecting the rights of other systems (environment and social systems ) and more mutual understanding between followers of different faiths? I would like to know what you think.
I have a publication on my profile that discusses determinants of health. As for your questions regarding health promotion professionals (HPP) and the responsibility toward advocacy, I suggest it depends on the audience the HPP is addressing, if addressing those in a position to advocate for change , such as community organizations, then yes making other organizations aware of the determinants of health is vital to making positive changes.
If the audience is the consumers of health services, every day individuals whose only access it through the ballot, yes to a degree. HPP would better serve the individual/patient by empowering them to make changes in their lives to improve their health and health behaviors, with the hope of decrease the need for health services through improving ones health.
For additional information on health disparities got to the following website: http://www.rwjf.org/
Thanks Kim
As we all know politics, national or international politics, do have important effects on other determinants of health. For example, political conflicts , armed conflicts negatively impact security, availability of resources for health , quantity and quality of health care and finally health status of influenced people. Utzinger and Weiss (2007) and Spencer (2003) have argued for political determinants of public health. Direct or indirect invasion of countries, international trade regulations are examples of how politics can influence the infrastructures needed for health. Politics shape the media, economy and social environment significantly. I think these are roots of roots for some important health inequity between countries and within countries that have not been paid adequate attention. I would like to know how others see this link.
Living in society bounded by Geo-political system, it is almost impossible for an individual not to be effected by politics. At the same time being part of the system no matter which field we choose, we have responsibility towards the system. So you have raised a valid point on how health promotion professionals can contribute in good governance.
We all know that health disparities are highly explained by politics as it changes the priorities. So one way to contribute to this area is by making our audience (as explained by Kim) aware of these facts. Let them know why developing countries have high mortality rate compare to developed countries. Why people in less developed countries are still dying of infectious diseases when developed countries are dealing with chronic diseases. It is interesting that most people don't realize or are conscious that huge health disparities are due to different direction and action pursued by political parties/leaders. I hope knowing this they choose leader who will understand health issue and can deal with health problems. Second is health professional can directly engage in health advocacy and make political parties/leaders aware of health needs and priorities. This way they can design better health plan that can address health needs. If we help them in designing better health policies and health plans, it will help in building better system. Don't assume that these leaders know everything. Third way is to be honest in your field and lead by example. I think this is most difficult but most effective one.
Mohammadi, I know these are general statements but hopefully It ties to your question.
Health promotion, may not be tackling the political determinants of health but if you consider health promotion as part of public health then there are any number of individuals and organisations addressing these issues. Most familiar to me is Sir Michael Marmot, his work on speaks directly to politics, power and fairness
http://www.instituteofhealthequity.org
http://www.health-inequalities.eu/HEALTHEQUITY/EN/about_hi/marmot_reviews/
Thanks for your answers and sorry for such a delay in my response. I agree with amir that perhaps one of health promotion professionals responsibility is helping political leaders to better understand the political determinants of health in their countries. I also believe not only leaders but citizens of each country should realize the impact of their political leader's decision on health of other countries. For example, invading other countries, no matter under the banner of democracy or any thing else (in reality for solving their own economic issues or political interest), sanction , or selling weapons changes negatively the priorities, resource allocation and the peace which is essential for health professional.
I feel that to some extent HP is already addressing this issue through a WoG approach, HiAP and intersectoral action. These approaches are well established and advocated, appropriately, by the WHO HP division with its member states.
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