International Journal of Health Policy and Management

International Journal of Health Policy and Management

Globalization and the Diffusion of Ideas: Why We Should Acknowledge the Roots of Mainstream Ideas in Global Health

Document Type : Perspective

Authors
Emilie Robert 1
Mohammad Hajizadeh 2
Rowan El-Bialy 3
Sayema Haque Bidisha 4
1 University of Montreal Hospital Centre-Research Centre (CR-CHUM), University of Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
2 Institute for Health and Social Policy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
3 Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
4 Department of Economics, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
10.15171/ijhpm.2014.55
Abstract
Although globalization has created ample opportunities and spaces to share experiences and information, the diffusion of ideas, especially in global health, is primarily influenced by the unequal distribution of economic, political and scientific powers around the world. These ideas in global health are generally rooted in High-Income Countries (HICs), and then reach Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). We argue that acknowledging and addressing this invisible trend would contribute to a greater degree of open discussions in global health. This is expected to favor innovative, alternative, and culturally sound solutions for persistent health problems and reducing inequities.
Keywords
Globalization
Health Policy
Diffusion of Ideas
User Fees
International Classification of Diseases
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  • Received Date 02 April 2014
  • Revised Date 30 November 2014
  • Accepted Date 02 June 2014
  • First Published Date 02 June 2014
  • Published Date 01 June 2014