MURAL - Maynooth University Research Archive Library



    An Analysis of the Extent of Social Inclusion and Equity Consideration in Malawi’s National HIV and AIDS Policy Review Process


    Chinyama, Mathews Junior, MacLachlan, Malcolm, McVeigh, Joanne, Huss, Tessy and Gawamadzi, Sylvester (2018) An Analysis of the Extent of Social Inclusion and Equity Consideration in Malawi’s National HIV and AIDS Policy Review Process. International Journal of Health Policy and Management, 7 (4). pp. 297-307. ISSN 2322-5939

    [thumbnail of MacLachlan_Analysis_2017.pdf]
    Preview
    Text
    MacLachlan_Analysis_2017.pdf

    Download (661kB) | Preview

    Abstract

    Background Equity and social inclusion for vulnerable groups in policy development processes and resulting documents remain a challenge globally. Most often, the marginalization of vulnerable groups is overlooked in both the planning and practice of health service delivery. Such marginalization may occur because authorities deem the targeting of those who already have better access to healthcare a cheaper and easier way to achieve short-term health gains. The Government of Malawi wishes to achieve an equitable and inclusive HIV and AIDS Policy. The aim of this study is to assess the extent to which the Malawi Policy review process addressed regional and international health priorities of equity and social inclusion for vulnerable groups in the policy content and policy revision process. Methods This research design comprised two phases. First, the content of the Malawi HIV and AIDS Policy was assessed using EquiFrame regarding its coverage of 21 Core Concepts of human rights and inclusion of 12 Vulnerable Groups. Second, the engagement of vulnerable groups in the policy process was assessed using the EquIPP matrix. For the latter, 10 interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of representatives of public sector, civil society organizations and development partners who participated in the policy revision process. Data was also collected from documented information of the policy processes. Results Our analyses indicated that the Malawi HIV and AIDS Policy had a relatively high coverage of Core Concepts of human rights and Vulnerable Groups; although with some notable omissions. The analyses also found that reasonable steps were taken to engage and promote participation of vulnerable groups in the planning, development,implementation, monitoring and evaluation processes of the HIV and AIDS Policy, although again, with some notable exceptions. This is the first study to use both EquiFrame and EquIPP as complimentary tools to assess the content and process of policy. Conclusion While the findings indicate inclusive processes, commitment to Core Concepts of human rights and inclusion of Vulnerable Groups in relation to the Malawi HIV and AIDS Policy, the results also point to areas in which social inclusion and equity could be further strengthened.
    Item Type: Article
    Keywords: EquiFrame; EquIPP; Equity; Social Inclusion; Vulnerable Groups; Human Rights Core Concepts; Health Policy Analysis;
    Academic Unit: Faculty of Science and Engineering > Psychology
    Item ID: 11630
    Identification Number: 10.15171/ijhpm.2017.87
    Depositing User: Malcolm MacLachlan
    Date Deposited: 11 Nov 2019 14:39
    Journal or Publication Title: International Journal of Health Policy and Management
    Publisher: Kerman University of Medical Sciences
    Refereed: Yes
    Related URLs:
    URI: https://mu.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/11630
    Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

    Repository Staff Only (login required)

    Item control page
    Item control page

    Downloads

    Downloads per month over past year

    Origin of downloads