Strategies

1) Rights-based approach to health

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a rights-based approach to health means “integrating human rights norms and principles in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of health-related policies and programmes.” IFHHRO promotes a rights-based approach to health as a strategy for structural improvement of the health situation of vulnerable groups. Such an approach addresses social factors of inequalities in health, the responsibility of governments to reduce these inequalities, and the legitimate claim of health consumers and providers for a better health system.

2) Building networks

Expertise and activism in the field of health and human rights is scattered the world over. IFHHRO strengthens human rights in the health sector by providing an international platform for discussion, for exchange of expertise and inspiration, and for linking with international institutions. We believe that health and human rights organisations in one country can be inspired by successful projects in another country. Individual health professionals can be protected and inspired by an international network of colleagues active in taking up human rights issues in health care. An international network can also be used to share expertise on rights-based health budgeting with health policy makers and National Medical Associations.