Global Health Governance as Shared Health Governance

Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 2012; 66(7):653-61

9 Pages Posted: 17 Dec 2011 Last revised: 27 Jun 2012

See all articles by Jennifer Prah Ruger

Jennifer Prah Ruger

University of Pennsylvania - School of Social Policy & Practice; University of Pennsylvania - Perelman School of Medicine

Date Written: July 2012

Abstract

Background With the exception of key 'proven successes' in global health, the current regime of global health governance can be understood as transnational and national actors pursuing their own interests under a rational actor model of international cooperation, which fails to provide sufficient justification for an obligation to assist in meeting the health needs of others. An ethical commitment to providing all with the ability to be healthy is required.

Methods This article develops select components of an alternative model of shared health governance (SHG), which aims to provide a 'road map,' 'focal points' and 'the glue' among various global health actors to better effectuate cooperation on universal ethical principles for an alternative global health equilibrium. Key features of SHG include public moral norms as shared authoritative standards; ethical commitments, shared goals and role allocation; shared sovereignty and constitutional commitments; legitimacy and accountability; country-level attention to international health relations.

Results A framework of social agreement based on 'overlapping consensus' is contrasted against one based on self-interested political bargaining. A global health constitution delineating duties and obligations of global health actors and a global institute of health and medicine for holding actors responsible are proposed. Indicators for empirical assessment of select SHG principles are described.

Conclusion Global health actors, including states, must work together to correct and avert global health injustices through a framework of SHG based on shared ethical commitments.

Keywords: global health governance, shared health governance

JEL Classification: I10

Suggested Citation

Prah Ruger, Jennifer, Global Health Governance as Shared Health Governance (July 2012). Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 2012; 66(7):653-61, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1973693

Jennifer Prah Ruger (Contact Author)

University of Pennsylvania - School of Social Policy & Practice ( email )

3701 Locust Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6214
United States

University of Pennsylvania - Perelman School of Medicine

423 Guardian Drive
Philadelphia, PA 19104
United States