Sharon Bell

Citation

Thesis Title
Health justice for all: The development of alternative health system capabilities in the conflict-affected context of Shan State, Myanmar

Read article at Massey Research Online:

The United Nations regards conflict as the leading risk to development progress as conflict-affected contexts have high rates of poverty and limited access to crucial healthcare services. Shan State, Myanmar, is one such context, facing a critical health workforce shortage. Ms Bell examined the health workforce training programme delivered by an international non-governmental organisation in partnership with one of Myanmar's non-state armed groups. She found that the programme supported the development of alternative health system capabilities through the provision of trained community health workers. This led to promising improvements in health outcomes in conflict-affected communities. Research findings show that development partnerships between international non-governmental organisations and non-state armed groups can meaningfully contribute towards meeting Sustainable Development Goal 3 – 'Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages', and consequently, health justice for these communities.

Supervisors
Associate Professor Rochelle Stewart-Withers
Professor Regina Scheyvens
Dr Sharon McLennan