Acknowledging inequalities in global health

Colonisation in many parts of the world left behind deep-seated prejudices and practices that continue to shape healthcare today.
 
There is increasing demand for ‘decolonisation’, described recently by Dr Annabel Sowemimo, author of Divided: Racism, Medicine and Why We Need to Decolonise Healthcare – reviewing how systems of race, class and gender have been shaped by colonial history, and how we move to establish a more equitable society.
 
Worldwide, there is a continual need to acknowledge this concept in health and the teachings of medicine on a global scale.
 
This process involves unearthing and addressing our cultural histories; challenging structures of power; recognising how colonial legacies persist in healthcare; and reinforcing inequalities and dependencies.
 
This starts with educating health professionals on colonial context, helping them understand how these ideas have shaped modern healthcare. It also requires addressing disparities in healthcare outcomes, such as racial profiling and unequal access to quality care.
 
To embed the concept of ‘decolonisation’ in healthcare, the existing societal structures of power must be critically examined.
 
Health professionals and organisations must embrace grassroots and community-based experience and expertise, which requires a redistribution of resources and a re-evaluation of how healthcare decisions are made.
 
Medical and healthcare professionals must engage with local communities, recognising the value of traditional healing practices and Indigenous knowledge. Education syllabuses need continuous reform to teach cultural humility, and include critical examinations of colonial histories and their impact on healthcare – fostering the next generation of health practitioners who are aware of the complexities of global health inequalities.
 
Decolonising health and medicine may be a controversial headline; however, it is imperative for a more equitable society.

Tackling this topic necessitates acknowledging the past, challenging the status quo, and redefining power dynamics in healthcare.
 
The responsibility falls on the shoulders of governments, health organisations and all of us to prioritise a health approach that respects and empowers local communities, and ensures healthcare is a fundamental human right accessible to all – regardless of their race, gender or place of origin.
 
This article originally appeared in Medicus, which is produced by the AMA (WA), and is republished with permission. This article is an opinion piece, not an official RACGP position.
 
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colonialism health inequities