Macquarie University

Health and Human Rights - HSYP813

This unit considers health as a human right. It examines the ‘right to health’ as ‘the right of everyone to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health’. Students will learn that the right to health is not a right to be healthy, nor does it require that governments put in place healthcare systems beyond their means. They will learn that health as a human right is a right to be realised progressively. The right to health will be examined as an inclusive right, extending beyond healthcare to the determinants of health and access to health-related information and education. The freedoms and entitlements included in the right to health will also be discussed. The subject will reflect on particular areas such as maternal, child, sexual and reproductive health; healthy workplaces and natural environments; disease prevention and treatment, including access to essential medicines; and access to safe and drinkable water, sanitation, and nutrition.