Representation, activism, health promotion, and communication: The role of art in advancing global health and social justice

TL;DR

This paper argues that art can help improve global health by giving voice to marginalized people, promoting social justice, and enhancing communication.

Contribution

The paper introduces a framework for integrating art into global health to foster empathy and challenge inequities.

Findings

Art can amplify disenfranchised voices and promote social justice in global health.

Community-driven art initiatives support stronger communities and better health communication.

Interdisciplinary collaboration with art can lead to more inclusive global health practices.

Abstract

This viewpoint advocates for the inclusion of art in global health discourse and practice. We explore four areas in which art can be leveraged to improve global health: (1) to amplify disenfranchised voices, (2) to advance social justice activism, (3) to strengthen communities and individuals, and (4) to improve global health communication. Drawing on community-driven art initiatives, we argue for an inclusive approach that respects diverse cultural perspectives and uplifts marginalized voices. Emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical engagement, our framework invites global health discourse and practice to integrate art in order to foster empathy, challenge systemic inequities, and envision sustainable futures. By centering art, we seek to enrich the global health discipline with insights and transformative potential grounded in human experiences, cultural diversity, and shared humanity.

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