HEALTH POLICY AND ADVOCACY – Nelson Mandela
Introduction
Nelson Mandela was one of the most recognizable symbols of human rights who actively worked to abolish apartheid. He was prisoned for his actions but, even then, intensified his battle and fought to attain his goal. He formed the first black law firm in South Africa, marking the beginning of his advocacy as a low-cost or free attorney for those affected by social injustice and poverty. Mandela created a Truth and Reconciliation Commission when he got elected as president. He also went on establishing various organizations, including the Nelson Mandela Foundation and The Elders.
Works
Large amounts of money were allotted through his Reconstruction and Development plan to create jobs and develop primary health care. He was a strong advocate for health care during his tenure as president. He set up public health care systems in South Africa (Nyasha, XXXXXXXXXXPhelophepa, a special train, was built to deliver affordable health care that traveled through the countryside and was beneficial to hundreds of people in poverty. Treatment for serious health issues. Mandela also took decisive actions against the spread of HIV/AIDS in the country and became a prominent advocate for AIDS awareness because his son was killed by this disease (Patches, XXXXXXXXXXHe discouraged the stigmatization of people living with AIDS, encouraged people to use condoms, and inspired scientists and leaders to work hard and stop the spread. He conveyed the message to stop hiding or being silent about AIDS and not to ignore deaths caused by this. His most significant contribution in spreading awareness about the disease may have been his intervention in the International AIDS Conference in Durban (United Nations).
Conclusion
As president Mandela was the Chair of the Vaccine Fund Board, he helped to secure lots of money as funds for making vaccines reachable to remote areas of the country as preventable diseases killed many children. He had worked at Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations, WHO, World Bank, and UNICEF to focus on the money required to solve the problem of lack of Vaccination. Mandela believed in human rights for everyone and access to health for everyone. He never gave up on his quest and never neglected any particular culture or group. He established the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital Trust and also Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund to serve the children of Africa and always made sure to strengthen women’s and children’s health programs. Mandela’s commitment to the public is fascinating for many and inspires us to do more like him. His compassion, fairness, and justice have left us a legacy. His fight against oppression, apartheid, and poverty is an example for all to be strong, give respect, and make peace.
References
Nyasha Maposa. (2013, July 23). Nelson Mandela and the battle against HIV and AIDS in South Africa: Pertinent Lessons. Swasti. Retrieved from https://swastihc.org/nelson-mandela-and-the-battle-against-hiv-and-aids-in-south-africa-pertinent lessons/?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=pmd_yC4ovlBlxaD2DKXXBOZ.gIXYi0tB7VkfRaSekR_mStQ XXXXXXXXXXgqNtZGzNAjujcnBszQiR
Patches Magarro. (2013, December 30). Nelson Mandela’s Public Health Legacy. Columbia. Retrieved from https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/nelson-mandelas-public-health-legacy
United Nations. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/en/exhibits/page/building-legacy-nelson-mandela