About Us
Southern Africa Doctors for Human Rights
Southern Africa Doctors for Human Rights (SADHR) is a regional network of doctors and physicians' organizations working to promote health and human rights across Southern Africa. Registered in South Africa, SADHR fosters solidarity, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing to address pressing health and human rights issues in the region.
As a collective of frontline witnesses to the intersection of health and human rights, we are committed to advocating for policies and practices that uphold the dignity, well-being, and rights of all individuals. Our work empowers health professionals, amplifies independent voices, and builds resilient healthcare systems that prioritize human rights.
Solidarity
Uniting doctors and physicians' organizations across the region.
Advocacy
Championing policies that uphold dignity and human rights.
Resilience
Building healthcare systems that prioritize human rights.
Who We Are
Our Vision & Mission
Vision
A Healthier, Equitable Southern Africa
A Southern Africa where the right to health is respected, protected, and fulfilled for everyone, free from discrimination, violence, and inequality.
Mission
Championing the Right to Health
To champion the right to health by empowering healthcare professionals, influencing policies, and building a collaborative network to address health and human rights challenges in Southern Africa.
Our Objectives
Empower Health Professionals
To educate and empower health professionals with skills to understand, investigate, document and analyse health rights and abuses
Advocate for Change
Lobby governments and regional bodies to respect and fulfill the right to health.
Document Violations
Investigate and record abuses of health rights to hold violators accountable.
Build Strong Networks
Foster relationships with domestic, regional, and international organizations to promote health and human rights.
Protect Healthcare Workers
Defend health professionals who face persecution for upholding medical ethics or advocating for health rights.
Promote Ethical Practices
Advance medical ethics and protect against torture and inhumane treatment in healthcare.
Why SADHR
The Southern African region faces unique challenges at the intersection of health and human rights, including:
Lack of Coordination
There is no regional network of physicians focusing on health and human rights, despite the existence of similar networks for lawyers and journalists.
Cross-Border Challenges
Health issues such as pandemics, migration, and access to treatment transcend national borders and require unified regional responses.
Advocacy and Awareness Gaps
Limited awareness and advocacy around health and human rights violations hinder progress in addressing these issues.
Support for Healthcare Workers
Medical professionals often face threats or ethical dilemmas when advocating for patients’ rights, and SADHR offers them a safe space to act with integrity.
Through our efforts, SADHR fills these critical gaps, creating a platform for collaboration, advocacy, and the promotion of equitable healthcare systems.
We Believe in A Collaborative Approach
Core Values
- Solidarity: Supporting health professionals and human rights defenders across borders.
- Transparency: Promoting accountability in healthcare systems and resource utilization.
- Innovation: Adapting to complex legal and political environments with creative solutions.
- Empowerment: Building the capacity of healthcare professionals to drive change.
- Compassion: Upholding the dignity and rights of all individuals.
Leadership and Governance
SADHR is governed by a diverse team of experienced medical professionals and human rights advocates. Our leadership operates transparently, ensuring accountability in decision-making and strategy implementation. Together, we strive to uphold the principles of integrity, professionalism, and empathy.