Core Concepts of Human Rights and Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups in the Namibian Policy on Orthopaedic Technical Services

Authors

  • Gert VanRooy Multidisciplinary Research Centre, University of Namibia
  • Elina Amadhila Multidisciplinary Research Centre, University of Namibia
  • Hasheem Mannan Project EquitAble, Centre for Global Health and School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin
  • Joanne McVeigh Centre for Global Health and School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin
  • Malcolm MacLachlan Centre for Global Health and School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, IE; Centre for Rehabilitation Studies, Stellenbosch University
  • Mutamad Amin Ahfad University for Women, Omdurman

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5463/dcid.v23i3.132

Keywords:

core concepts of human rights, equity, vulnerable groups, Namibian Orthopaedic Technical Services policy

Abstract

Purpose: Despite a highly progressive legislation and clear governmental commitment, living conditions among persons with disabilities in Namibia are systematically lower than among persons without disabilities. This implies that persons with disabilities are denied equal opportunities to participate and contribute to society, and consequently are denied their human rights.

Methods: EquiFrame, an innovative policy analysis framework, was used to analyse Namibian Policy on Orthopaedic Technical Services. EquiFrame evaluates the degree of stated commitment of an existing health policy to 21 Core Concepts of human rights and to 12 Vulnerable Groups, guided by the ethos of universal, equitable and accessible health services.

Results: A number of Core Concepts of human rights and Vulnerable Groups were found to be absent in the Namibian Policy on Orthopaedic Technical Services, and its Overall Summary Ranking was assessed as Moderate.

Conclusion and Implications: The Namibian health sector faces significant challenges in addressing inequities with respect to its policy on Orthopaedic Technical Services. If policy content, or policy ‘on the books’, is not inclusive of vulnerable groups and observant of core concepts of human rights, then health practices are also unlikely to do so. This paper illustrates that EquiFrame can provide the strategic guidance for the reform of Namibian Orthopaedic Technical Services policy, leading to universal and equitable access to healthcare.

Author Biographies

Gert VanRooy, Multidisciplinary Research Centre, University of Namibia

Research Fellow

Elina Amadhila, Multidisciplinary Research Centre, University of Namibia

Post-graduate Research Fellow

Hasheem Mannan, Project EquitAble, Centre for Global Health and School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin

Senior Research Fellow

Joanne McVeigh, Centre for Global Health and School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin

Researcher

Malcolm MacLachlan, Centre for Global Health and School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, IE; Centre for Rehabilitation Studies, Stellenbosch University

Professor, Extraordinary Professor

Mutamad Amin, Ahfad University for Women, Omdurman

Director of Research

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Published

2012-12-05

How to Cite

1.
VanRooy G, Amadhila E, Mannan H, McVeigh J, MacLachlan M, Amin M. Core Concepts of Human Rights and Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups in the Namibian Policy on Orthopaedic Technical Services. DCIDJ [Internet]. 2012 Dec. 5 [cited 2024 Nov. 22];23(3):24-47. Available from: https://dcidj.uog.edu.et/index.php/up-j-dcbrid/article/view/78

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 3 (2012): Autumn

Section

Original Research Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2012 The Author(s)

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