REGIONALISM AND HEALTH: THE OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

 

Oluwatobi Njoaguani¹*, Sheriff F. Folarin²

¹Lecturer, Department of Political Science and International Relations, Covenant University, NIGERIA, oluwatobi.babatunde@covenantuniversity.edu.ng

 ² Professor, Department of Political Science and International Relations, Covenant University, NIGERIA, sheriff.folarin@covenantuniveristy.edu.ng

*Corresponding author

 

Abstract

The study examines the nexus between 'regionalism cum regional integration' and health. Health issues especially in the time of emergencies pose some challenges for regional integration efforts and could in some cases lead to the stagnation of a regional project. On the other hand, health is a viable platform on which regionalism can thrive and be strengthened. More so, regional initiatives for health promotion and management can also help in improving the health of the people of a region or in some adverse cases exacerbate health issues. The relationship between the two concepts is never unidirectional. This article is premised on the proposition that ‘health is development' and regionalism is essentially for development too. Consequently, there is a point of convergence. Lessons are drawn here from different regions on how regionalism and health can interact for the attainment of sustainable health goals. The study involves historical, descriptive and prescriptive analysis of the phenomena. A systematic review of existing literature in PubMed and Web of Science databases is done to indicate the links between the concepts with relevant cases; with the objective of identifying the opportunities and the challenges of the interaction between the two concepts. The theoretical underpinnings of the ‘relationships’ is also examined. Regionalism offers states an opportunity to pool resources for the attainment of the highest standard of health for the region.  The paper therefore recommends more health 'consciousness' in macro- regional planning and policy. Health can aid regionalism and the latter has a lot of utility in the attempt to govern and respond to health issues.

Keywords: Regionalism, Regional Integration, Health Governance, Health policy

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The authors appreciate the Covenant University Center for Research, Innovation and Discovery (CUCRID) for the immerse support towards the completion of this research.

 

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