The Rule of Law as a Social Determinant of Health

I address you in my capacity as the Co- Chair of the African Think Tank on HIV, Health and Social Justice and President of the Africa Judges Forum on HIV, Human Rights and the Law.

The rule of law is increasingly understood as a foundational determinant of health, and which underlies other socioeconomic, political and cultural factors associated with health outcomes. Quite simply, strengthened rule of law and related human resource capacity are critical for achieving the health outcomes of the 2030 Agenda, Agenda 2063, the African Health Strategy and other global and regional development frameworks in Africa. The law and justice sector plays a critical, though often unacknowledged, role in every health challenge. Universal health coverage (UHC) systems can only be established, financed and monitored through processes and structures established by law. Good health systems governance also require civil society participation, and government transparency and accountability.