Why language proficiency matters in global health equity

AI Summary

An article in BMJ News discusses the importance of language proficiency for advancing equity in global health. It highlights how English dominance creates challenges by narrowing evidence bases and emphasizes that learning local languages is essential for authentic engagement and improving health outcomes in low and middle income countries.

Ndong's article on linguistic and geographic exclusion in global health research highlights how English dominance narrows the evidence base and reinforces power imbalances.1Modern global health practice is guided by a vision of equity, partnership, and respect for all cultures. At its best, the field seeks to bring together practitioners and communities from around the world to advance health through collaboration and shared learning. But global health also bears the legacy of a colonial past. Contemporary efforts led from high income settings must therefore strive to rebuild trust and foster authentic engagement with local communities to implement effective health interventions throughout the “global south.”2As students and practitioners committed to equitable, long term global health collaboration with communities in low and middle income countries, we think that learning local languages is essential for genuine cultural understanding and connection.The most immediate benefit of bilingualism in global health is the practical advantage of direct...