WHO’s draft Global Plan of Action for the Health of Indigenous Peoples
The George Institute for Global Health has provided a submission to the WHO’s draft Global Plan of Action for the Health of Indigenous Peoples, drawing on the expertise of its Guunu‑maana (Heal) Program. The submission calls for stronger recognition of Indigenous leadership, self‑determination, and sovereignty as foundations for improving health outcomes.
Key recommendations include:
- Elevating self‑determination as a core guiding principle;
- Embedding Indigenous data sovereignty; strengthening and resourcing Indigenous health workers;
- Explicitly addressing racism and colonial impacts;
- Expanding the Plan’s focus on cultural determinants of health such as connection to Country and cultural practices;
- Ensuring Indigenous leadership in climate and environmental decision‑making, including the rights and participation of Indigenous women and girls.
Overall, the submission encourages WHO to establish clear mechanisms that enable genuine Indigenous leadership and accountability throughout the Plan’s implementation.
