European values for global health:
Values are the underlying beliefs that guide behaviour. Values define our understanding of global health, and shape our approach to the issue, our understanding of the importance of gender in global health, its relevance to development and human security and the importance of good governance at national and international levels. While European values for global health can be readily summarised in words, the true test of values lies in the actions that follow from them, thus there is a need for action and research to match intentions to behaviour in this field.
- Global HealthGlobal health refers to those factors that transcend national boundaries and governments to determine the health and human security of people across rich and poor countries, and of future generations. The determinants of health are a complex range of biological, social, economic environmental, political and other factors. These include new and re-emergent communicable diseases spread […]
- Inequity and Inequality in HealthInequity and inequality: these terms are sometimes confused, but are not interchangeable, inequity refers to unfair, avoidable differences arising from poor governance, corruption or cultural exclusion while inequality simply refers to the uneven distribution of health or health resources as a result of genetic or other factors or the lack of resources. Inequity is a […]
- A summary of the European approach to global healthIn summary, a European approach to global health must reflect European values for the protection and improvement of health as: a human right, a key to human security and development and a focus for global governance. A human right and associated European health values of: solidarity universality access to quality care equity (with special regard […]
- Action and research on European values for global healthThis first section of the European global health policy glossary is intended to provide a basis for developing a joint programme for action and research on European values for global health. Contributions, corrections, links and updates are all welcome. The action and research issues raised include: assessment of the determinants of global health and their […]
- Shaping the European approachThe European approach to global health has been shaped by three main developments: An increasing awareness of global responsibilities and obligations stimulated by global civil society (including radical social movements, different types of non-governmental organizations and religious groups). Health as a human right has been identified as one of the most important human rights and the importance […]
- European health valuesEuropean health values are the distinctive set of beliefs about health rights and obligations that reflect European history and identity. Article 6 of the Treaty on European Union states that the union is “founded on the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law, principles which are […]
- Europe, gender inequality and global healthEuropean countries have played a leading role in promoting a gender-sensitive approach to health. Women’s health has substantial implications for economic development and growth. There is evidence, from various studies, that women’s well-being and literacy boosts economic growth and improves population health. Women are custodians of the health of family members and community, and play an […]
- Europe and human securityThe European Commission and EU member states have undertaken a programme of work in the field of health security overseen by the Health Security Committee. The Commission supports collaboration with the Global Health Security Initiative, launched in 2001 by the G-7 group of nations, Mexico and the European Union. At the December 2008 meeting in Brussels […]
- Globalization, health and developmentThe relationship between globalization, health and development is complex. There are many positive and negative ways in which globalization affects health. The inverse is also true; a society that suffers from a high burden of disease is not in a position to participate effectively in the processes of globalization and will not, therefore, be able […]
- Europe’s role in global health governanceThe European Union is a major force in the emergence of global governance. It contributes politically and economically to the processes of globalization that have demonstrated the need for, and reality of, global governance. And it offers a model and precedents for how state- and non-state actors can shape global governance processes and norms. The […]