Honouring the legacy of Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng
- Letlhogonolo Mokgoroane
The outgoing United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to health is a champion of health as a human right
Celebrating Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng’s tenure
As Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng concludes her tenure as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, it is both a privilege and an honour to reflect on her extraordinary contributions. Dr Mofokeng has been a trailblazer in the global movement for health as a fundamental human right, reshaping the understanding of health beyond a service, but as a right that must be universally protected and upheld.
Transforming the global health rights framework
Dr Mofokeng’s impact has been profound, fundamentally transforming the legal and policy frameworks that govern health rights worldwide. Through her leadership, she has continually emphasized the importance of intersectionality in understanding healthcare access. She has brought to light the systemic barriers that foster inequality, advocating for their removal to ensure that marginalised communities are no longer excluded from essential health services.
Championing sexual and reproductive health rights
A central focus of Dr Mofokeng’s work has been the advancement of sexual and reproductive health rights. She has steadfastly maintained that bodily autonomy is integral to the right to health. Her advocacy has influenced policy at both national and international levels, prioritising the needs of women and girls, particularly in under-served regions. Dr Mofokeng has amplified the voices of those often silenced, working to ensure their health rights are not only recognised but actively protected.
Advocating for Palestinian health rights
Dr Mofokeng has also stood as a strong advocate for the health rights of Palestinians, focusing on the unique challenges faced by those in occupied territories. She has highlighted the severe consequences of restricted movement, limited medical supplies, and the destruction of healthcare infrastructure. Her work stresses the urgent necessity of international cooperation so that health services are accessible to all, regardless of political or geographical constraints, drawing on her own experiences of growing up in an apartheid state.
Groundbreaking reports on structural inequalities
Throughout her tenure, Dr Mofokeng has submitted comprehensive reports to the United Nations, analysing the structural inequalities obstructing healthcare access. She has exposed how discriminatory laws and policies disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, urging governments to adopt inclusive, rights-based approaches. These reports have become foundational blueprints for both addressing immediate needs and confronting long-term systemic challenges.
Dr Mofokeng has consistently advocated for a human rights-based approach when addressing global health crises. Whether evaluating the effects of pandemics or climate change on health, she has called for equitable resource allocation and global solidarity. Her work reinforces the idea that global health challenges require collective action rooted in justice and equality.
Addressing racism, violence, drug policies, food and digital rights
Dr Mofokeng’s report on racism and health is a groundbreaking examination of how systemic racism restricts healthcare access and adversely affects health outcomes. She has demonstrated that racism is not solely a social issue, but a public health crisis, advocating for comprehensive reforms to dismantle these entrenched barriers.
Her report on violence and the right to health delves into the profound effects of violence—whether domestic, structural, or state-sanctioned—on physical and mental health. Dr Mofokeng argues for survivor-centred healthcare systems and policies that address violence’s root causes, reframing the issue as a public health concern that requires urgent action.
This body of work challenges us to envision healthcare as a realm of healing and justice, free from exclusion and inequality. It is a call not just to treat symptoms, but to confront and change the systems responsible for harm.
In her report on drug policies, Dr Mofokeng critiques punitive measures that worsen health inequities. She urges a transition to health-centred, evidence-based policies that prioritise harm reduction, treatment, and support for people who use drugs. Her work encourages a rethinking of drug policies through the lens of equity, dignity, and human rights.
Her analysis of food and the right to health underscores the deep connection between access to nutritious food and overall well-being. Dr Mofokeng explains how systemic inequality, poverty, and corporate control over food systems hinder access to healthy, affordable food, perpetuating cycles of poor health and economic instability. She stresses that solving food insecurity is not a matter of charity, but of justice and systemic reform.
A significant aspect of her analysis is the call for accountability from governments and policymakers. She advocates for laws and policies that prioritise public health over profit, support small-scale farmers, protect indigenous food practices, and address environmental harm caused by industrial agriculture. Her work demonstrates that the right to health is inseparable from the right to food, urging us to advocate for food systems that nourish everyone.
Dr Mofokeng’s report on digital rights explores the intersection of technology and human rights. She highlights the importance of bridging the digital divide, ensuring that everyone can benefit from technological advancements. Her report argues that internet access is a fundamental right, essential for participation in education, healthcare, and economic life.
She also addresses the dangers of unchecked surveillance and data exploitation, particularly for vulnerable populations, calling for robust regulations to protect privacy and ensure that digital tools serve—rather than harm—the people who rely on them. Dr Mofokeng’s focus on intersectionality within digital rights brings a necessary and timely perspective, and she calls for a human-centred approach to digital policy. Her analysis is a call to action for governments, technology companies, and civil society to work together toward a digital world that is inclusive, equitable, and just.
Healthcare workers as agents of peace
Dr Mofokeng’s report on healthcare workers and peace underscores the vital role that medical personnel play in conflict-affected regions. She stresses the importance of protecting healthcare workers under international law and investing in healthcare systems as a means to foster sustainable peace. Her advocacy spotlights the dedication of those on the front lines, who risk their lives to uphold the right to health for all.
Strategic use of amicus interventions
Through strategic amicus submissions, Dr Mofokeng has influenced judicial decisions to dismantle barriers to equitable healthcare. She has addressed the intersection of health and human rights, advocating for the legal protection of sexual and reproductive health and the rights of marginalised communities. These interventions have reinforced the global legal framework for health rights, ensuring that justice systems recognise health as a cornerstone of human dignity.
A legacy of justice, dignity and equality
Dr Mofokeng’s work serves as a powerful reminder that the right to health is inextricably linked to justice, dignity, and equality. Her leadership inspires all of us to continue working for a world where health is not a privilege, but a right enjoyed by everyone. By honouring her contributions and upholding the principles she championed, we move closer to a future where health is a pillar of human rights for all.
Her tenure as United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health has been exceptional. Dr Mofokeng’s unwavering commitment to justice, her bravery in confronting the status quo, and her relentless advocacy for the vulnerable have left a lasting legacy in the global fight for health equity. She has shown us that health is not solely about medicine or policy—it is about humanity, dignity, and collective action.
Reflecting on her legacy, we remember the lives she has touched, the systems she has challenged, and the hope she has ignited in countless hearts. Dr Mofokeng’s work stands as a beacon, illuminating the path toward a world where no one is left behind, health is a universal right, and justice and compassion prevail.
Her legacy challenges all of us to continue this vital fight: to dismantle barriers, amplify silenced voices, and build a future where everyone, everywhere, can enjoy the highest attainable standard of health. Dr Mofokeng’s work has changed the world and will continue to inspire generations to come.
Personal reflections
Dr Mofokeng is not only a visionary leader and advocate; she is also a loyal friend, an endless source of inspiration, and a steadfast supporter of those she loves. As her best friend, I have witnessed her passion, resilience, and boundless compassion first-hand. Beyond the global platforms and policy negotiations, she values deep connection, listens with intent, and is always present for the people in her life. Her authenticity and warmth are as impactful as her professional achievements, and knowing her personally is one of the greatest gifts of my life.