2014’s Top Global Health Stories—and What They Have to Do with Health Workers

Sarah Dwyer — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 14:20:04 +0000

As 2014 comes to an end, the international development community stands on the cusp of major new progress, particularly in global health and development—but the war and disease that marked this year could hinder that progress for decades to come. Health workers labored on the front lines of some of 2014’s most prominent events, which will likely affect global health and the well-being for all 7 billion of us as we move into 2015 and beyond. So let's take a look back at some of 2014’s biggest global health and development stories. Some good, some bad, all illuminating as we enter the new year.

Author's name:

Margarite Nathe

Publication Date:

December 2014

Finally, a Major Step Forward in Protecting Health Workers and Facilities

Carol Bales — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:53:53 +0000

This post was originally published on the IntraHealth International blog.

Despite firm standards rooted in the Geneva Conventions to protect health facilities, health workers, and the patients served during armed conflict, and to enable health professionals to act consistently with their ethical obligations, assaults on and interference with health functions are all too common in war. Aside from the human toll they take, these attacks often compromise the ability to deliver care to populations in great need, impede efforts to reconstruct health systems after war, and lead to the flight of health workers whose presence in a time of great social stress is essential.

The international community has taken few steps to provide guidance to promote compliance with the law, or to assess and report on violations in a uniform and comprehensive manner. Sound methodologies for data collection about these assaults have not been developed. The lack of systematic reporting and documentation of these violations contributes to continued disregard for an established and internationally recognized legal framework of protection. Mechanisms to encourage compliance with these international norms are needed as a first step in preserving critical health services in conflict settings.

Author's name:

Leonard Rubenstein, guest blogger

Publication Date:

January 2012

Conflict

2014’s Top Global Health Stories—and What They Have to Do with Health Workers

Finally, a Major Step Forward in Protecting Health Workers and Facilities