In an era marked by the profound interconnectedness of global societies, the field of global health has increasingly come under scrutiny for its underlying structural dynamics and historical legacies. The recent comprehensive scoping review by Amri, Filart, Yang, and colleagues, published in Global Health Research and Policy in 2025, delves deeply into the urgent and complex imperative to decolonize global health. This emerging discourse is not merely academic; it reflects a critical reckoning with centuries of inequities embedded in health systems, research paradigms, and policy frameworks that perpetuate disparities between high-income countries and the Global South.
Central to this review is a rigorous examination of the foundational components that define decolonizing global health. The authors argue that global health, as an institutional and epistemic project, has historically been shaped by colonial power relations, often privileging Western biomedical models and marginalizing indigenous knowledge systems and voices from formerly colonized regions. By systematically mapping key concepts, the review highlights how decolonization involves dismantling these entrenched hierarchies to foster more equitable partnerships, inclusive knowledge production, and the re-centering of marginalized perspectives in health governance.
One of the transformative insights from Amri and colleagues is the identification of specific actions proposed by global health practitioners, scholars, and activists to operationalize decolonization. These include critical reforms such as redistributing resources to local institutions, elevating capacity building within low- and middle-income countries, and reformulating ethical guidelines to respect cultural contexts and sovereignty. The review underscores that such changes are not peripheral but foundational to achieving just and effective health outcomes globally.
Moreover, their analysis extends to the role of contributors shaping this discourse. By synthesizing literature across disciplines, the authors reveal a broad coalition engaged in this work—from grassroots organizations advocating for health equity to academics challenging dominant narratives. This diversity of contributors exemplifies the pluralistic nature of decolonizing efforts, emphasizing collaboration rather than domination.
Intricately woven into their findings is the challenge of reconciling scientific rigor with cultural humility. The authors advocate for methodologies that not only adhere to empirical standards but also valorize indigenous epistemologies and community wisdom. This dual approach challenges the conventional hierarchy of evidence in health research and paves the way for more contextually relevant interventions.
The scoping review also confronts the persistence of neo-colonial practices disguised in contemporary global health initiatives. The authors critique how funding flows, intellectual property regimes, and policy impositions often replicate colonial dynamics under new guises. It is a call to critically evaluate the architecture of global health financing and governance to prevent exploitative relationships.
Importantly, the discourse on decolonization is positioned as a dynamic, evolving conversation rather than a fixed endpoint. The review highlights the need for reflexive scholarship and praxis that continually interrogates power asymmetries and adapts to shifting geopolitical realities. This emphasis on ongoing critical self-awareness signals an ethical imperative at the heart of decolonizing global health.
Technological innovation is framed as a potential vehicle for decolonization, yet the authors caution against uncritical adoption. Digital health tools and data systems must be developed with inclusivity and equity at their core to avoid reinforcing disparities. This nuanced view foregrounds the social determinants of health as integral to any technological intervention.
The article also sheds light on the importance of education and capacity building in promoting decolonized health practices. By fostering local leadership and integrating indigenous knowledge into curricula, global health education can become more representative and empowering, breaking cycles of dependency.
Through extensive literature mapping, the review identifies significant gaps in current research, particularly around metrics to evaluate decolonization efforts and the lived experiences of marginalized communities. The call for more participatory research designs is a vital aspect of the decolonial agenda, ensuring that those most affected by health inequities are co-creators of knowledge and solutions.
Furthermore, Amri and colleagues articulate how global health institutions must move beyond symbolic gestures toward structural transformation. This includes revising leadership paradigms, reevaluating power distribution, and embedding accountability mechanisms that prioritize equity and justice.
The review’s interdisciplinary nature is a testament to the complexity of decolonizing global health, intersecting with sociology, political science, ethics, and public health. This broad lens enriches the discourse and supports comprehensive strategies that address systemic challenges on multiple fronts.
In highlighting these multifaceted dimensions, the article transcends a mere critique and offers a pragmatic blueprint for change. It encourages stakeholders across sectors to engage in dialogue, self-examination, and deliberate action to rebuild global health in a manner that respects dignity, diversity, and autonomy.
As global health continues to grapple with pandemics, climate crises, and persistent inequities, this scoping review by Amri et al. serves as a crucial milestone. It reinforces that decolonization is not optional but imperative if the global community aspires to health justice and sustainable well-being for all.
Subject of Research: Decolonization of global health, including key components, proposed actions, and contributors to this process.
Article Title: Decolonizing global health: a scoping review of its key components, proposed actions, and contributors.
Article References:
Amri, M., Filart, J., Yang, J. et al. Decolonizing global health: a scoping review of its key components, proposed actions, and contributors. Glob Health Res Policy 10, 54 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41256-025-00436-8
Image Credits: AI Generated
