Inclusion and Equity in Humanitarianism: A Fellowship with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
Wellcome Trust
University of Cape Town
During my secondment with MSF, my project will focus on equity in humanitarian responses to global health emergencies. Humanitarian organisations such as MSF are a critical part of the international response to global health emergencies. Increasingly humanitarian organisations are required to reflect on equity within their work. Questions of equity relate to, amongst others, how MSF works with other actors such as governments, engagement activities with affected communities, provision of health care services, the role of technology and research-related activities. This project has three objectives: 1. Policy review: I will conduct a review of policies that guides the response of MSF with a specific focus on how equity is operationalised. 2. Critical review and analysis: I will conduct a review and critical analysis of literature related to equity in humanitarian responses in global health emergencies. This review will summarise normative and empirical accounts, frameworks, and considerations of equity, including research as part of the humanitarian response. 3. Recommendations: Based on insights gained from objectives 1 and 2, I will develop targeted recommendations regarding equity for relevant stakeholders involved in MSF's work. I will also facilitate interactive sessions with MSF staff about their experiences of equity, which will also inform recommendations.
8.3 Policy, ethics and research governance