International Journal of Health Policy and Management

International Journal of Health Policy and Management

Policies and Processes for Social Inclusion: Using EquiFrame and EquIPP for Policy Dialogue; Comment on “Are Sexual and Reproductive Health Policies Designed for All? Vulnerable Groups in Policy Documents of Four European Countries and Their Involvement in Policy Development”

Document Type : Commentary

Authors
Malcolm MacLachlan 1, 2
Hasheem Mannan 1, 3
Tessy Huss 1
Alister Munthali 4
Mutamad Amin 5
1 Centre for Global Health, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
2 Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
3 University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
4 Centre for Social Research, Chancellor College, Zomba, Malawi
5 Ahfad University for Women, Omdurman, Sudan
10.15171/ijhpm.2015.200
Abstract
The application of EquiFrame in the analysis of sexual and reproductive health policies by Ivanova et al to a new thematic area, their selection of only some of the Core Concepts of human rights in health service provision and the addition of new vulnerable groups relevant to the purpose of their analysis, are all very welcome developments. We also applaud their application of EquiFrame to policies in countries where it has not previously been used, along with their use of interviews with policy-makers to produce a deeper understanding of policy processes. We argue that clear justification for the inclusion of additional, or replacement of some exiting vulnerable groups within EquiFrame should be accompanied by clear definitions of such groups, along with the evidence-base that justifies their classification as a vulnerable or marginalised group. To illustrate the versatility of EquiFrame, we summarise a range of ways in which it has been used across a number of regions; including a brief Case Study of its use to develop the National Health Policy of Malawi. While EquiFrame focuses on policy content, we preview a new policy analysis tool – Equity and Inclusion in Policy Processes (EquIPP) – which assesses the extent of equity and inclusion in broader policy processes. Together, EquiFrame and EquIPP can be used to help governments and civil society ensure that policies are addressing the much stronger emphasis on social inclusion, now apparent in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Highlights

 

 

Watch the Video Summary here. 

 

Keywords
Policy Analysis
EquiFrame
Equity and Inclusion in Policy Processes (EquIPP)
Human Rights
Subjects

 

 

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  • Received Date 09 October 2015
  • Revised Date 13 November 2015
  • Accepted Date 13 November 2015
  • First Published Date 01 March 2016
  • Published Date 01 March 2016