Social work

This chapter discusses the role of the social work profession in contributing to global public health. Drawing on principles of human rights and social justice, social workers act to minimize distress, promote health and well-being, and actively work to redress inequities that contribute to poor health outcomes around the world. The chapter identifies antecedent knowledges and approaches including Indigenous knowledges, critical antidiscriminatory practice, intersectionality, strengths-based practice, gender and culturally responsive practice, the social determinants of health, and situational approach to suicide prevention. With these knowledge bases, the chapter then explores some key focus areas in social work such as Indigenous communities, disadvantaged/marginalized communities, mental health and suicide prevention, pandemics, the environment, and politics. Following on from these focus areas, the chapter outlines a range of practice approaches at individual, group, community, research, and policy/political levels that enables the profession to act on global issues. It concludes with a debate about the parallels, challenges, and apparent (but surmountable) contradictions between social work and global public health.