Study highlights the power imbalances in global health collaborations, particularly in low-resource settings. These hierarchies can limit the involvement of individuals from these settings in decision-making processes and lead to outcomes that favor those with higher resources. A study conducted by investigators from Yale School of Medicine and the University of Liberia’s College of Health Services examined the experiences of collaborators in post-war, post-Ebola Liberia.
Through interviews with participants, researchers found that the power to set priorities for global health work was primarily held by those with financial resources, with plans being implemented to meet the expectations of donors. Factors contributing to this power imbalance included the donor’s history of engagement, as well as their levels of transparency and accountability. The study emphasizes the need to address accountability in global health partnerships to promote greater equity for participants in low-resource settings.
The findings suggest that there is a need for greater transparency and accountability in global health collaborations, particularly when it comes to decision-making processes. This can help ensure that collaborations are more equitable and responsive to the needs of individuals and communities in low-resource settings. It is important for all stakeholders involved in global health collaborations to recognize and address these power imbalances if we want to promote sustainable and effective partnerships that benefit everyone involved.