Social participation in health
A historic resolution
In 2024, the 194 member countries of the World Health Organization unanimously adopted a historic resolution on social participation in health and well-being.
This is the first time in 76 years of history that world leaders have committed to promoting the participation of individuals, communities, and civil society in all decisions and policies affecting health and well-being.
« To ensure the resolution has traction, we need strong, visible, and shared leadership from civil society and governments. We must have equal partnerships: among policy makers and patients, and among health professionals and communities. »
(BMJ 2024;386:q1460)
Significant advancements
FUNDING
Governments will need to ensure stable public funding, reduce power inequalities, and create an equitable space for everyone to participate.
INTEGRATED
Social participation is becoming an essential function of healthcare systems, rather than a one-off initiative.
TRANSPARENCY
Governments will be required to report on progress every two years.
Making social participation in health a reality
Promoting people's ability to speak out, exercise power, and take action
This guide, which is intended for governments and policymakers, provides guidance on strengthening the meaningful participation of populations, communities, and civil society in health policy development.
World Health Organization (WHO). 2021
Placing social participation at the heart of health system governance
This document presents country case studies illustrating how social participation can strengthen health system governance.
World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe. (2024)
Institutionalizing social participation in health policy for more effective health systems
This document proposes concrete strategies for sustainably integrating citizens into decision-making processes concerning health policies.
World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe. (2024)
Forging alliances in favor of social participation
Social participation involves major transformations in the culture and governance of our healthcare systems. We all have a role to play in these changes, at the local, national, and international levels.
The Chair supports collaboration between different allies of social participation in health. We support cooperation between actors with complementary strengths: people with lived experience, patients, researchers, policy makers, community leaders, and civil society actors.
We raise awareness and promote learning between countries, cultures, and initiatives that are driving change in different regions of the world.
Promising initiatives
