Health Is a Human Right-at CDC?

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Human Rights Studies
• Museum Studies

Background:

• The David J. Sencer Museum, part of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hosted the "Health Is A Human Right: Race and Place in America" exhibition in 2013-14.
• The exhibition's title and theme were notable given the US government's historical resistance to health-related human rights.
• This context sets the stage for examining the exhibition's purpose and impact.

Observation:

• The exhibition attracted nearly 50,000 visitors.
• It explored the origins, aims, and content of the "Health Is A Human Right" exhibition.
• Qualitative research findings informed the analysis of the exhibition's engagement with health and human rights.

Findings:

• The exhibition's existence at the CDC Museum raises questions about reconciling health as a human right with US policy.
• It offers insights into the "social life" and practical application of health-related human rights claims.
• The study analyzes the role of museums in fostering public discourse on health and human rights.

Implications:

• Museums can serve as platforms for discussing complex health and human rights issues, even where legal or political frameworks are weak.
• The exhibition demonstrates a model for engaging the public with human rights in a health context.
• Findings contribute to understanding the intersection of public health, human rights, and museology.