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Global Perspective on Politics and Public Health Policy
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Policy can be defined as a “definite course or
method of action selected from among
alternatives and in light of given conditions
to guide and determine present and future
decisions
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The United States Constitution
• Policy Makers are the Legislative (Congress), Executive,
Judicial branches
• Checks and balance system
• Interest Groups, Citizen Groups, Lobbyists, Media
Interest Groups can influence policy
1. Present unified position to policy makers
2. Engage in political activity in elections
3. Litigation: Develop statements how the
decision will affect their members
4. Shaping Public Opinion
5. Draft legislative proposals
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Handout
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pla
yer_detailpage&v=tyeJ55o3El0
www.loc.gov How our laws are made
www.firstgov.gov
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Committee on Energy
Commerce’s Subcommittee on Health,
Education, Labor and Pensions
Senate Special Committee on Aging
Government Accountability Office
Congressional Budget Office
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Community Involvement Act
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Four Main Actors in the healthcare system:
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The Ministry of Health and Sports (MOH)
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The State Governor’s Office of Health (SEDES)
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The Municipal Government (DILOS)
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Civil Society, meaning the private sector
Creation of a Constitutional Assembly in July
2006 to rewrite the Bolivian Constitution
Cultural and Indigenous Influences on Health
Policy
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High levels of inequality and exclusion
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60% of those excluded can be attributed to external
or administrative barriers
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40% are caused by personal or cultural reasons
Bolivian Health and Social Security 12 month plan
Pg 120
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Infectious disease outbreaks in the
developing world
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Why is this a concern for the US?
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Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
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Avian influenza (pandemic flu)
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Noncommunicable chronic disease
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World Health Organization: Objectives and
Governance Structures (created 1948 within United
Nations)
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Handout
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Where are they located?
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Actively involved in data gathering
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Research
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Global Health Policy development and applications (FCTC)
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World Health Assembly (WHA): Main decision and policy
making body
Collaboration with Nongovernmental Organizations
(NGO’s) pg 125
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“Public Good”
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How is this at odds with the US philosophically?
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Health for All in the Twenty-first Century –
Declaration of Ala Ata – 1978 called health a
“…fundamental human right”
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2000 UN Millennium Declaration pg 128
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Collateral Damage
5 task force groups
Discussion
Handouts