Education, knowledge and technology
Integrating equity into health information systems: a human rights approach to health and information
Equity focused health information systems strengthen human rights
Authors:
L. Bambas
Publisher:
Public Library of Science Medicine , 2005
This PLoS medicine article argues that health information systems can play an important role in supporting human rights. Firstly, health information systems can document and track health and health inequalities. Secondly, they can create a platform for action and accountability. Thirdly, they can support effective health development by providing access to population health information that is socially and economically disaggregated. The Equity working group of the Health Metrics Network (HMN), a global collaboration focused on strengthening country health information systems, has made a number of recommendations which provide a framework for an equity-sensitive information system.
This framework is based on four principles. Firstly, each person has dignity and matters. Secondly, everyone should have opportunities for health and the means to improve health, with special attention given to vulnerable populations. Thirdly, governments are accountable to the public, communities have a right to the information they need to make healthy decisions and individual autonomy should be supported. Fourthly, governments, communities and individuals are all responsible for promoting health and health opportunities. The author argues that these recommendations provide a strategy for strengthening decision and policymaking by providing a strong empirical base for human rights. [adapted from author]
