Call for Proposals: Health Equity in Decentralized Democracy

Call for Proposals: Health Equity in Decentralized Democracy


Background

Democracy is essential for achieving good health globally.1 A recent comprehensive study by Bollyky et al. (2019) asserts that “democracies are more likely than autocracies to lead to health gains for causes of mortality”.2 Democracy explained variance in mortality for cardiovascular diseases, transport injuries, cancers, cirrhosis, and other non-communicable diseases. It was found that this effect is driven by the higher degree of health care investment in experienced democracies.

At the local level, democracy is widely assumed to have a positive effect on health because it empowers communities to actively participate in decision-making processes. As communities are included, it ensures that healthcare policies and practices are tailored to their specific needs, values, and priorities, which fosters a more inclusive and responsive healthcare system.

However, while social scientists have long debated the relationship between democracy and health, it is a debate that has intensified in recent years along with global trends of autocratization. More research is needed to draw more definitive conclusions about the effects that democratic governance may have on population health.

Scope

This research initiative aims to explore the democracy-health nexus, with a focus on the local level. The research is meant to support and provide recommendations for local governments striving to promote health equity within the framework of decentralized democracy. The research team shall provide knowledge support to local governments in ICLD’s programmes, with special attention to ICLD’s Network of Municipal Partnerships for Equitable Health.

Potential research questions may include: