Beyond asymmetry: An epidemiology of compassion for a more compassionate global health

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5502/ijw.v16i2.6321

Abstract

As the contributions to this special issue illustrate, compassion is a key motivator for individuals and, increasingly, health systems in global health. This commentary considers the power dynamics of compassion in global health, particularly challenging the notion that compassion is inherently asymmetrical. I illustrate that it is not the compassion itself that is unequal but rather the visibility of its actors, depending on their power and position. The challenges and opportunities for building equity through an epidemiology of compassion are considered.

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Published

2026-03-04

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 2 (2026): Towards an Epidemiology of Compassion

Section

Invited Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Rachel Hall-Clifford

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