Non-Communicable Diseases and Global Health Governance: Enhancing Global Processes to Improve Health Development

Globalization and Health, Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 1-16, May 2007

Sydney Law School Research Paper No. 07/42

17 Pages Posted: 2 Jul 2007

See all articles by Roger Magnusson

Roger Magnusson

The University of Sydney - Faculty of Law

Abstract

This paper assesses progress in the development of a global framework for responding to noncommunicable diseases, as reflected in the policies and initiatives of the World Health Organization WHO), World Bank and the UN: the institutions most capable of shaping a coherent global policy. Responding to the global burden of chronic disease requires a strategic assessment of the global processes that are likely to be most effective in generating commitment to policy change at country level, and in influencing industry behaviour. WHO has adopted a legal process with tobacco (the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control), but a non-legal, advocacy-based approach with diet and physical activity (the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health).

The paper assesses the merits of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the FCTC as distinct global processes for advancing health development, before considering what lessons might be learned for enhancing the implementation of the Global Strategy on Diet. While global partnerships, economic incentives, and international legal instruments could each contribute to a more effective global response to chronic diseases, the paper makes a special case for the development of international legal standards in select areas of diet and nutrition, as a strategy for ensuring that the health of future generations does not become dependent on corporate charity and voluntary commitments. A broader frame of reference for lifestyle-related chronic diseases is needed: one that draws together WHO's work in tobacco, nutrition and physical activity, and that envisages selective use of international legal obligations, non-binding recommendations, advocacy and policy advice as tools of choice for promoting different elements of the strategy.

Keywords: global health governance, international public health law, health development, tobacco, diet and nutrition, World Health Organisation, World Bank, Millennium Development Goals

JEL Classification: K10, I12, K32

Suggested Citation

Magnusson, Roger, Non-Communicable Diseases and Global Health Governance: Enhancing Global Processes to Improve Health Development. Globalization and Health, Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 1-16, May 2007, Sydney Law School Research Paper No. 07/42, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=997793

Roger Magnusson (Contact Author)

The University of Sydney - Faculty of Law ( email )

New Law Building, F10
The University of Sydney
Sydney, NSW 2006
Australia

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