POLICY BRIEF
INTRODUCTION
The African Union (AU) theme of the Year for 2025: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”, will officially be launched by Heads of State and Government during the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly in February 2025.
The theme provides an unprecedented opportunity to reframe health systems strengthening within the context of historical injustices, systemic inequalities, and the lingering effects of colonialism, slavery, and systemic racism. Reparative justice, often seen through an economic lens, can encompass the restoration of health equity, addressing the social determinants of health (SDH), and investing in resilient, inclusive health systems.
CONTEXT AND RATIONALE
Africa faces persistent health disparities deeply rooted in historical injustices. The legacy of colonial exploitation, structural adjustment programs, and global economic inequalities have weakened health systems, leaving millions vulnerable to preventable diseases, poor maternal and child health outcomes, and inadequate mental health services. Reparations offer a pathway to correct these inequities through systemic investments that promote health equity, economic empowerment, and social justice.
What is Reparative Justice?
Reparative justice refers to a framework aimed at addressing historical injustices such as colonisation, slavery, racial discrimination, and systemic inequalities rooted in economic exploitation and social exclusion.
Unlike punitive justice, which focuses on punishment, reparative justice seeks healing, accountability, and restitution by acknowledging harm, restoring dignity to affected individuals or communities, and providing material, symbolic, or psychological redress. The process of reparative justice holds contextual uniqueness. Read more about how it can apply in Africa.
Linking Reparative Justice to Health Systems Strengthening and Social Determinants of Health (SDH)
Addressing Historical Health Inequities: Reparations can fund the rebuilding of health infrastructure in marginalised communities, promoting equitable access to quality healthcare.
Economic Justice as a Health Determinant: Economic reparations can reduce poverty, a key driver of poor health, when redirected to improving access to nutrition, education, and healthcare.
Mental Health and Intergenerational Trauma: Reparative justice in itself can render gradual mental health relief from the burden of the psychological impacts of historical trauma and systemic oppression.
Gender Equity: Investments targeting reproductive health and gender-based health disparities can address the disproportionate impact of historical injustices on women and girls.
Youth Empowerment: Reparations can fund youth-focused health programs, promoting mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and resilience against climate-related health risks.
Climate Justice and Environmental Health: Addressing environmental degradation and its health impacts through climate-resilient health systems is a form of reparative justice.
Conflict and Health Fragility: Reparations can support post-conflict health system recovery, addressing the health impacts of displacement, violence, and instability.
KEY POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
Integrate Reparative Justice into AU Health Policies: Embed reparative principles into AU health policy frameworks, including the AU Agenda 2063: The African We Want and the Africa Health Strategy (2016-2030).
Establish a Reparative Health Fund: Create a dedicated fund to support health system strengthening in historically marginalised communities/AU Member States.
Invest in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support: Prioritise resource mobilisation for mental health services addressing intergenerational trauma.
Promote Gender-responsive Health Systems: Ensure reparative investments address gender-based health disparities and promote sexual reproductive health rights (SRHR).
Establish Youth-centred Health Initiatives: Develop programmes that empower youth as agents of change in health advocacy and policy.
Advocate for Climate-Resilient Health Systems: Allocate reparative resources to strengthen health systems against climate-related health risks.
Foster Community-Led Health Governance: Empower communities to lead reparative health interventions, ensuring culturally relevant and sustainable outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Reparative justice is not solely about financial compensation; it is about restoring dignity, equity, and the right to health. By framing reparations within the context of health systems strengthening and social determinants of health, the African Union can lead a transformative agenda that not only acknowledges historical injustices but actively works to correct them. This approach will contribute to achieving the goals of Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the broader vision of a healthier, more equitable Africa.
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Ms. Whitney Mwangi | Health Policy Communications and Advocacy Specialist, Directorate of Health and Humanitarian Affairs | Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, African Union Commission | E-mail: WhitneyM@africa-union.org