University of Groningen
The right to health as the basis for universal access to essential medicines Perehudoff, Sammi-Jo Katrina
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Publication date: 2018
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Perehudoff, S-J. K. (2018). The right to health as the basis for universal access to essential medicines: A normative framework and practical examples for national law and policy. Rijksuniversiteit Groningen.
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It is said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. My journey towards this doctorate began— unknowingly— in 2008 as an intern under Prof. Hans Hogerzeil’s supervision at the WHO Department of Essential Medicines and Pharmaceutical Policies. In 2015, we revisited this project when he introduced me to Prof. Brigit Toebes at the University of Groningen. Together, our seamless collaboration rapidly developed into my PhD project.
I am indebted to my supervisors’ infectious enthusiasm for this subject, unparalleled mentorship, and visionary approach using human rights. Hans, you coached me—often by way of example and comical adage— in research, management, and compassion. I will implement these lessons throughout my career. Brigit, you facilitated a spectrum of new scholarly opportunities for me while reminding of the importance of balance. Thank you for giving my PhD project an enduring home at the Global Health Law Groningen Research Centre. This thesis was also an experiment in multidisciplinary research that demands patience, curiosity, and innovation to accommodate the richness of two disciplines. My fondest memories are of Hans and Brigit passionately dedicating themselves to this experiment during our animated meetings. I am privileged to have walked this path with you both.
To the members of my reading committee, Prof. Audrey Chapman, Prof. Aurelia Colombi Ciacchi, and Prof. Aukje Mantel-Teeuwisse: I am honoured that you— an accomplished team of women scholars— would contribute your time and expertise to examine my thesis. My appreciation extends to the opponents, who, at the time of printing this thesis, included Prof. Rob Henning and Dr. Tim Reed.
I am grateful for the financing and collegial support that I received from the Department of Health Sciences at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, as well as the Research Institute SHARE of the Groningen Graduate School of Medical Sciences at the University of Groningen.
My discussions with Dr. Sue Hill and Mr. David Clarke from the World Health Organization guided my thinking and inquiry in the early stages of this research.
I am grateful to Prof. Lisa Forman at the University of Toronto, Canada for the opportunities she has given me and her kind mentorship. Thank you to Prof. Joel Lexchin and Dr. Catherine Oliver for the gift of an extended family to warm my winter stay in Toronto.
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My research was deeply enriched through fruitful collaborations with my co-authors, including (those not previously mentioned) Prof. Jelle Stekelenburg, Dr. Ellen ’t Hoen, Ms. Lucía Berro Pizzarossa, Mr. Nikita V. Alexandrov, and Mr. José Castela Forte.
This research was aided by the dedication of student assistants from the University of Groningen and other institutions. I appreciate the skilful assistance of: Ms. Dana Altajem, Ms. Femke Bloem, Ms. Muriel Brandner, Ms. Julie Brice, Mr. José Cerezo Cerezo, Ms. Rachel De Jong, Ms. Jochelle Greaves Siew, Ms. Svenja Henning, Mr. Abyan Irzaldy, Mr. Mattia Longa, Ms. Julie Nzambi, Mr. Michal Ovadek, Mr. Ferdinand Quist, Ms. Soraya Redondo Mezmiz, Ms. Nicole Rusli, Ms. Amrita Sankaranarayanan, Ms. Andrea Stanglmair, Mr. Kabir Tombat, Mr. Théo Verdi, Ms. Sabrina Wimmer, and Ms. Suzan Yuseinbasheva. To my colleagues at the Global Health Law Groningen Research Centre and the former Department of International Law: You became my human rights family. You taught me that sometimes the greatest support given to a fellow academic is having a thoughtful discussion about their work. Thank you especially to Antenor, Erna, Eva, Lottie, Lucía, Mando, Marie Elske, Marlies, and Veronika.
Finally, I owe a debt of gratitude to my friends and family: Speaking to you always feels like coming home regardless of the kilometres separating us or the time elapsed between our visits.
To Carlos, Fitsum, Linda, Rik, and Stefanie: I profited from your perspective and friendly advice, especially as you have all attained the title ‘Dr.’ before me.
Working in Groningen introduced me to two women with whom I’ve found profound friendship. Lucía, your work and your passion inspire me. There are few words that can express the joy you brought to my days in Groningen and to our flat. Daniela, you taught me about resilience and dedication through your everyday actions. I cherish our many work lunches and after-work hang outs.
I could not have completed this thesis on time without the generosity and unending support of my parents-in-law, Katty Jacobs and Hendrik Blomme. Jullie offers voor ons zijn niet onopgemerkt gepasseerd. Ik zal voor altijd dankbaar zijn voor jullie steun tijdens mijn doctoraat, zo veel meer dan “trakteren bij de Chinees” zou kunnen zeggen.
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To my mom Linda Ferguson and dad Wayne Perehudoff, to Ter and Rosie, and to Uncle Mick and Aunt Cathy: thank you for a lifetime of laughs, encouragement, and love.
Aäron, your strength, enthusiasm, and unwavering confidence in me carried us through the peaks and canyons of this voyage. Thank you for your countless sacrifices— obvious and unseen— to make this endeavour a success.
