Health information as a human right: from justification to practice

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated how necessary clear and accurate health information is and yet how vulnerable people are to mis- and disinformation. The object of this article is to put forth a sound argument, based on both policy and philosophical doctrine, on why people-regardless of citizenship-have a right to accurate, current health information. Evidence is provided to show that access to quality health information is a human right asserted by the United Nations, and academic writing from scholars of philosophy is explored to put forth a moral assertion that agrees. Finally. practical measures are offered for librarians and other information professionals to promote these rights in their institutions and communities-for example, by teaching health and information literacy skills while pushing back on disinformation flooding communities in times of crisis.