The Health Cause #3: Unheard Voices
3 April 2024, Leeszaal West Rotterdam
Being homeless undermines fundamental rights. It often means having no safe home, no place to shelter and rest, no access to healthy food, and no access to healthcare. This profoundly impacts people’s lives: homeless individuals live, on average, 14–16 years shorter than those with a home.
The Netherlands is the fourth richest country in the world. Allowing this to happen as a society is indefensible. Homelessness often results from a series of unfortunate events and systemic injustices. Those affected cannot simply choose to escape poverty or homelessness. The Health Cause believes this can and must change, advocating for a compassionate society where everyone can live healthily and flourish.
On April 3, we explored how to achieve this together. We discussed the key question: What does the right to health mean? Our speakers included:
- Max de Boer, an expert by experience
- Marlieke Ridder, general practitioner and street doctor at Straatzorg [Street Care] Rotterdam and the Stedelijk Daklozen Team [Urban Homeless Team]
- Rudolf Kampers, a Socratic dialogue facilitator, chairman of the Counterphase Foundation, and teacher educator (philosophizing with children) at Thomas More University of Applied Sciences in Rotterdam
The Health Cause is a collaboration between Van Hier Naar [...], Universities Allied for Essential Medicines - Netherlands (UAEM-NL), People's Health Movement Nederland and Knowledge Centre Global Health (KCGH). Together, we strive for a caring society for everyone.