Public Health and The Rule of Law

Mihaela Agheniței, Lawyer Jafar Samdani*

Citation: Agheniței M, Samdani LJ. Public Health and The Rule of Law. Medp Public Health Epidemiol. 2022; 1(1): mpphe–202207005.

Abstract

   The rule of law is a sustainable system of laws, institutions, rules and community engagement that gives accountability to both government and private actors, fair laws that protect fundamental rights, open government and accessible justice. In a strong rule of law society, these four principles intersect to ensure that citizens have efficient, transparent and accountable institutions that can defend freedom, ensure public safety, including public health, and facilitate prosperity. Evidence suggests a positive correlation between the rule of law and public health – countries with a better rule of law enjoy lower maternal and infant mortality rates, longer life expectancy and a lower incidence of chronic diseases. The rule of law fosters trust in institutions and supports a social contract between citizens, both of which are essential for resolving a public health crisis such as the COVID–19 pandemic in which a collective approach is the only way to keep and control the disease.