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A human right to shoes? Establishing rights and duties in the prevention and treatment of podoconiosis

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Version 2 2023-06-06, 09:56
Version 1 2023-06-06, 09:40
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-06, 09:56 authored by Arianne ShahvisiArianne Shahvisi, Enguday Meskele, Gail DaveyGail Davey
Podoconiosis is a debilitating chronic swelling of the foot and lower leg, caused by long term exposure to irritant red volcanic clay soil in highland regions of Africa, Central America, and India. In this paper we consider the human rights violations which cause, and are caused by, podoconiosis in Ethiopia. Specifically, we discuss the way in which the right to an adequate basic standard of living is not met in endemic regions, where the following basic necessities are not readily available: robust footwear, education and health literacy, and affordable, accessible healthcare. Those living with podoconiosis experience disablement, stigma and discrimination, and mental distress, contributing to greater impoverishment and a reduced quality of life. We suggest that while identifying rights violations is key to characterising the scale and nature of the problem, identifying duties is critical to eliminating podoconiosis. To this end, we describe the duties of the Ethiopian government, the international community, and those sourcing Ethiopian agricultural products in relation to promoting shoe-wearing, providing adequate health care, and improving health literacy.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Health and Human Rights

ISSN

2150-4113

Publisher

Harvard University Press

Issue

1

Volume

20

Page range

53-65

Department affiliated with

  • Clinical and Experimental Medicine Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2018-04-16

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2018-07-23

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2018-04-16

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