MSF welcomes WHO's proposal on the Global Plan of Action. MSF witnesses how indigenous communities are being disproportionately affected by preventable diseases. MSF reiterates the need for an intercultural approach, recognising that mental, physical, and environmental health are inseparable. Failure in protecting health holistically can result in mental health consequences.
Based on experience working in the Brazilian Yanomami context, MSF considers the Plan’s prioritisation of centring social participation and meaningful leadership of indigenous peoples in all phases of the decision-making process essential. The Plan must be informed by Indigenous peoples, who are the protagonists of change toward more accessible, acceptable, and adapted health services.
MSF stresses the need to respect traditional medicine and knowledge, encouraging dialogue with traditional healers and communities to improve health services and outcomes. We look forward to upcoming discussions.
