Abstract
The main objective of this article is to reflect on how the right to health framework may be used to tackle non-communicable diseases in the era of neo-liberalism in Uganda. NCDs, also known as chronic or lifestyle diseases, cause many deaths. The risk factors for NCDs include the harmful use of alcohol, physical inactivity, salt intake, tobacco use, raised blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, as well as ambient and household air pollution. The article moves beyond the recognition of these important risk factors and interrogates the contribution of neo-liberalism to the prevalence of NCDs. The article argues that neo-liberalism, which emphasises the role of market forces in dealing with socio-economic questions, significantly contributes to the NCDs challenge in Uganda. The article concludes that the right to health can and should play a critical role in tackling the challenge of NCDs in Uganda. Unless policy challenges associated with neo-liberalism are tackled, current NCD prevention, control and management efforts that focus on individual behaviour or lifestyle approaches and place the burden of responsibility on the individual may not achieve the desired results.
Highlights
The article argues that neo-liberalism, which emphasises the role of market forces in dealing with socio-economic questions, significantly contributes to the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) challenge in Uganda
Unless policy challenges associated with neo-liberalism are tackled, current NCD prevention, control and management efforts that focus on individual behaviour or lifestyle approaches and place the burden of responsibility on the individual may not achieve the desired results
The main objective of the article was to reflect on how the right to health framework may be used to tackle non-communicable diseases in the era of neo-liberalism in Uganda
Summary
The main objective of this article is to reflect on how the right to health framework might be used in the prevention, treatment and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the era of neoliberalism in Uganda. As is the case in many countries, Uganda is party to human rights instruments that guarantee the right to health[1] and outline state obligations towards the realisation of the right, including the prevention and treatment of diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises human rights as one of the primary approaches in the prevention and control of NCDs.[4] De Vos et al advocate a right to health-based approach to the prevention and control of NCDs.[5] Magnusson and Patterson advocate human rightsinspired legal and governance reforms as part of a comprehensive global response to NCDs.[6] Ferguson et al argue that human rights can guide governments in strengthening their national laws and policies in response to NCDs.[7] Gruskin et al observe that the contribution
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