Is there a need for a human rights based Approach to health in Uganda?

Abstract

Health is a fundamental human right that has great impact on the full realisation of other human rights including economic rights. In order to promote the health of the people and to increase the productivity of the population in a more sustainable way, there is need to do more than simply providing medical facilities and preventing and treating ailments. There is a need to address the injustices that occur in the relationships between the health service providers and the patients. Crucially, there is a need to address the stigma and discrimination, and all other health‐related issues that hinder the full realisation of the right to health of vulnerable members of society in Uganda. A human rights‐based approach to health is perhaps more likely to be effective, inclusive, equitable, sustainable and efficient in addressing such obstacles than other approaches. This approach calls for: a) recognition of the national and international human rights framework; b) empowerment and active participation of all stakeholders in all matters pertaining to their health; c) accountability; d) equality and non‐discrimination; and e) progressive realisation of the right to health. Thus, human rights principles must guide the analysis, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of health promotion programmes in Uganda.