Social determinants of health – a foundation to promote human rights Human rights and health: a practical application Todd Harper, CEO Victorian Health Promotion Foundation Australia

Overview The landscape - global focus on human rights The landscape - global focus on human rights Building on knowledge and activity to inform VicHealths policies and approaches Building on knowledge and activity to inform VicHealths policies and approaches What does this like? Using a approach to prevent violence against women What does this like? Using a WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health (WHO CSDH) approach to prevent violence against women

Human rights, social & economic determinants and health International Human Rights frameworks Alma Arta Charter The Ottawa and Bangkok Charters The Millennium Goals The International Mental Health Promotion Charter WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health (WHO CSDH)

VicHealths approach Health Inequalities policy Whole of population and sub-population approaches are adopted to address disparities in health. Sub-populations given priority attention are those experiencing disadvantage due to social, economic or geographic circumstances.

VicHealths Strategic framework adopts the WHO CSDH focus on: 1) Improving daily living conditions; 2) Tackling the inequitable distribution of power, money and resources; and 3) Measure and understand the problem and assess the impact. Applying a human rights focus using the WHO CSDH approach

Incorporating human rights into VicHealths Strategic Framework International Context World Health Organisation Commission on Social Determinants of Health: Improve daily living conditions. Tackle the inequitable distribution of power, money and resources. Measure and understand the problem and assess the impact of action. National and State Priorities for Prevention and Health Promotion Reducing cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions, asthma, injury and mental health problems including stress, anxiety and depression. Objectives of VicHealth (as mandated by the Tobacco Act 1987) To fund activity related to the promotion of good health, safety or the prevention of disease To increase awareness of programs for promoting good health in the community through the sponsorship of sports, the arts and popular culture To encourage healthy lifestyles in the community and support activities involving participation in healthy pursuits To fund research and development activities in support of these activities Environmental Context Vision & Mission Strategic Objectives Health Promotion Actions

What does this like in action? Preventing violence against women 1. Measure & understand the problem & assess the impact: Burden of Disease Burden of Disease – leading cause of illness, injury among women years of age Economic Research Economic Research – indicating large economic burden, but large gains for prevention Community Attitude Surveys Community Attitude Surveys eg views on gender equity

Health Burden of Intimate Partner Violence Compared with other risk factors, intimate partner violence is the top ranking cause of preventable disease and premature death among women aged 15-44

Intimate partner violence Compared with other risk factors:

What does this like in action? Preventing violence against women 2. Tackle the inequitable distribution of power, money & resources: Interventions in male dominated sports, and with local governments, schools and the media.

Sports Community Health Local Government Schools Workplaces

LOGICAL FRAMEWORK ORGANISATION WIDE EFFECTIVE DELIVERY RELEVANT AND INCLUSIVE EVALUATION WHOLE of SCHOOL APPROACH ORGANISATIONALLY LED ASPIRATION for RESPECTFUL WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT FROM ELITE to GRASSROOTS CLUB ENVIRONMENTS PROGRAM FRAMEWORK: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GENDER and POWER GENDER EQUITY POLICY to PROMOTE WOMENS REPRESENTATION CODES of CONDUCT PROMOTE GENDER EQUAL, RESPECTFUL, INCLUSIVE STANDARDS EFFECTIVE CURRICULUM FOCUS on SKILLS BUILDING STAFF TRAINING on RESPECTFUL WORKPLACE BEHAVIOUR MENTORING to FAST TRACK WOMENS PARTICIPATION RELEVANT, INCLUSIVE, and CULTURALLY SUPPORTIVE PRACTICE VAW POLICY EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FUNDING TIED to PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION TEST for IMPACT Complementary strategies

What does this like in action? Preventing violence against women Improve daily living conditions: Reduce violence and consequently increase productivity, family functioning, and participation Tracking womens experiences of lack of respect, and perceptions of safety

Todd Harper