Looking Back Moves Us Forward: The Pioneer of Advocacy
Since NAP seeks to improve healthcare and policy for all, it might be worthwhile to look into history to learn more about how to accomplish this goal.
In terms of global health, many are unaware that Florence Nightingale wrote over 200 books/articles and > 10,000 letters explaining exactly how she felt about the state of global health in the British Empire, which spanned over 4 continents, in the 19th century.
What would the iconic instigator of the profession of nursing and social health reformer say about our state of health and healthcare in modern life? She abhorred backroom deals, nepotism, favors, and money crossing palms that “politics and politicking” uses to get legislation done.
From Nightingale’s expanded vision of what global health could encompass, WHO has codified the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A quick scan of these worldwide goals includes a focus on clean air and water, health, and well-being, eliminate hunger and poverty, quality education, honorable work, and safe childbirth.
We might ask: Are we any closer to realizing these goals?
Clearly no!
How would Nightingale react regarding the squabbles that persist within and between countries that inhibit progress on these goals? She was an honest advocate who accomplished her work with the help of influential friends in the government. In addition, part of her aim was to work closely with the scientists of her day (physicians, biologists, statisticians, and sanitation engineers), to gather evidence and formulate plans to work on health and sanitation problems of the time. Her goals and aims are still relevant today and clearly part of the honest advocacy role that NAP is grounded in that improves healthcare and policy for all.
