Re: https://www.hifa.org/dgroups-rss/assessing-language-barriers-health-faci...
Dear Amelia,
Thank you for your paper, which concludes that language barriers in healthcare facilities in Malawi have serious implications on the quality of healthcare provided. .
Your paper focused on communication between health workers and patients. I note that health workers sometimes have to 'rely on physical checks and non-verbal communication'. This is a great handicap as 'A well-taken history will usually provide more clues to the diagnosis than the physical examination. It provides a basis for confidence and trust between the patient and doctor/medical student.' https://www.ucl.ac.uk/epidemiology-health-care/sites/epidemiology-health...
Language is a major barrier at all stages of the global evidence ecosystem. You note that 'coordinated efforts at national and international levels are key to securing significant funding for effective interventions.' HIFA is proud to have Clear Global (formerly Translators Without Borders) as a Supporting Organisation https://www.hifa.org/support/supporting-organisations/clear-global
HIFA is currently advocating for WHO to explicitly champion universal access to reliable healthcare information (in a language that is understood) and to develop a global strategy for its realisation, as recommended by our recent Global Consultation. I hope that you or a representative of Clear Global will help us to ensure that language issues are given top priority.
HIFA profile: Neil Pakenham-Walsh is coordinator of HIFA (Healthcare Information For All), a global health community that brings all stakeholders together around the shared goal of universal access to reliable healthcare information. HIFA has 20,000 members in 180 countries, interacting in four languages and representing all parts of the global evidence ecosystem. HIFA is administered by Global Healthcare Information Network, a UK-based nonprofit in official relations with the World Health Organization. Email: neil@hifa.org
