Biomedical and technological advances cannot be fully understood without taking into account the societies in which they are embedded. Perceptions of illness, individual choices, social inequalities, cultural contexts and ethical issues profoundly influence prevention, care pathways and the acceptability of innovations.

At the ASU-GHI, this research axis draws on the humanities and social sciences to shed light on contemporary challenges in global health. By bringing together philosophy, history, sociology, anthropology, law and geography, it helps to develop more inclusive research, more appropriate public policies and a form of medicine that is as attentive to people as it is to diseases.

© Photo credit: Pierre Kitmacher