REGIONALISM AND HEALTH: THE OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
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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 a 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; to identify the opportunities and the challenges of the interaction between the two concepts. The theoretical underpinnings of ‘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’ consciousnesses in macro-regional planning and policy. Health can aid regionalism, and the latter has much utility in the attempt to govern and respond to health issues.
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JA Political science (General)