7 Strengthening accountability for the right to health
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Anuj Kapilashrami
Abstract
Chapter 7 explores the complex and evolving notion of accountability in the context of health governance and the realisation of the right to health. A theoretical overview of accountability reveals the shift from traditional political and bureaucratic accountability to more direct, community-led mechanisms. The chapter highlights the limitations of linear, simplistic views of accountability and stresses the importance of understanding the socio-political contexts in which these mechanisms operate. Through case studies the chapter illustrates promising examples of community-led practices and grassroots initiatives that have effectively improved health services by organising communities and empowering them to hold authorities accountable. The chapter also locates these discussions in a changing health governance landscape and growing influence of the commercial sector, questioning how accountability frameworks can adapt to include corporate actors. It concludes by calling for expanded research and more nuanced approaches to understand the accountability ‘ecosystem’ that considers the complex, multi-level governance structures in which modern health systems operate.
Abstract
Chapter 7 explores the complex and evolving notion of accountability in the context of health governance and the realisation of the right to health. A theoretical overview of accountability reveals the shift from traditional political and bureaucratic accountability to more direct, community-led mechanisms. The chapter highlights the limitations of linear, simplistic views of accountability and stresses the importance of understanding the socio-political contexts in which these mechanisms operate. Through case studies the chapter illustrates promising examples of community-led practices and grassroots initiatives that have effectively improved health services by organising communities and empowering them to hold authorities accountable. The chapter also locates these discussions in a changing health governance landscape and growing influence of the commercial sector, questioning how accountability frameworks can adapt to include corporate actors. It concludes by calling for expanded research and more nuanced approaches to understand the accountability ‘ecosystem’ that considers the complex, multi-level governance structures in which modern health systems operate.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures, boxes, and case studies vi
- Acknowledgements viii
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Participation, power, and public health: historical influences and modern imperatives
- Introduction 3
- History of community participation in public health: from primary care movement to UHC 27
- ‘Communities’, power, and participation: unpacking concepts from praxis 44
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Pathways to health justice: community organising, collective action, and accountability
- Engaging communities at the margins to reduce health inequalities 69
- Building sustainable social movements for the right to health 83
- Addressing political, economic, and commercial forces shaping health 102
- Strengthening accountability for the right to health 122
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Tools for transformation and organising for change: arts, media, and participatory action research
- Community activism in action 143
- The role of arts, social media, and participatory action research in advancing health rights 158
- Conclusion: Community organising and collective action as countervailing power for healthy and just societies 179
- Glossary 185
- Notes 190
- References 191
- Index 224
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures, boxes, and case studies vi
- Acknowledgements viii
-
Participation, power, and public health: historical influences and modern imperatives
- Introduction 3
- History of community participation in public health: from primary care movement to UHC 27
- ‘Communities’, power, and participation: unpacking concepts from praxis 44
-
Pathways to health justice: community organising, collective action, and accountability
- Engaging communities at the margins to reduce health inequalities 69
- Building sustainable social movements for the right to health 83
- Addressing political, economic, and commercial forces shaping health 102
- Strengthening accountability for the right to health 122
-
Tools for transformation and organising for change: arts, media, and participatory action research
- Community activism in action 143
- The role of arts, social media, and participatory action research in advancing health rights 158
- Conclusion: Community organising and collective action as countervailing power for healthy and just societies 179
- Glossary 185
- Notes 190
- References 191
- Index 224
