A/HRC/29/33 58. Another example of an unbalanced approach to human rights is when the full realization of the right to health is hindered by undue restrictions in the enjoyment of civil and political rights. That approach can lead to a failure in the implementation of the principles of participation and empowerment and it undermines the crucial role that civil society can play in promoting societal health and well-being. 59. There is no hierarchy among human rights, and any attempt to restrict or undermine, intentionally or unintentionally, any of the basic human rights can have a harmful impact on individual and societal health and well-being. That is why the best way of “vaccinating” health-care systems and policy decisions against a departure from agreed principles and standards is to systematically apply a human rights approach in full accordance with universal principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and human rights conventions and treaties. 2. Balancing the key elements in the health-care system 60. All key elements of health-care systems must be balanced. That includes the relationships between the curative and preventive aspects of health care, so that power asymmetries do not weaken primary care and preventive medicine. The modern publichealth approach should be strengthened and a right balance between all elements of the health-care system should be ensured so that the implementation of health policies is not dominated by vertical “disease-based” programmes and specialized health-care services. 61. In addition, the role of the health sector and that of other sectors in improving the health of individuals and populations must also be balanced. A modern understanding of the effective realization of right to health requires a “health in all policies” approach. To fully achieve goals, such as to reduce infant or under-5 mortality, improve mental health, reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases or promote the health of older persons, all sectors and all branches responsible for public policies need to be involved. 62. This does not mean that role of health sector should be restricted to specialized health care. On the contrary, the scenario of ministries of health preoccupied mainly with meeting the need of specialized health-care services is an outdated one. The role of the health sector is becoming increasingly important in areas such as health promotion, prevention of health problems and protection of human rights, especially within health-care services, with particular attention given to the situation of marginalized groups. In the promotion of a “health in all policies” approach, the health sector should take the lead and share responsibility for societal health with other sectors. 63. With all this in mind, the Special Rapporteur is considering the analysis of the following themes as some of his priorities. V. Themes as priorities A. Global health in the post-2015 agenda 64. The transition from Millennium Development Goals to Sustainable Development Goals is a unique opportunity to rethink achievements and assess the remaining challenges affecting the right to health and well-being of individuals and societies. In the decade between 2000 and 2010, an estimated 3.3 million deaths from malaria were averted and 22 million lives were saved in the fight against tuberculosis. Access to retroviral therapy for 11

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