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EspañolAdvancing social participation in global health: a people and patient-centred vision
We are entering a new era in global health, one that recognises the vital role of patients and people with lived experience in shaping the decisions that affect their health, their communities, and future generations.
A turning point at the 77th World Health Assembly
In May 2024, IAPO co-hosted a pivotal side event at the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) with The Synergist, anticipating and celebrating the adoption of a landmark resolution on social participation for universal health coverage (UHC), health and well-being. This resolution, adopted by Member States, was a major milestone, affirming the importance of real engagement from people, communities, and civil society - and holding governments accountable for inclusive health governance.
One year later: the push for progress continues
Despite this milestone, progress has been slower than hoped. The World Health Organization is facing significant restructuring, and global health priorities are shifting. That’s why it’s more important than ever to spotlight this resolution, uphold its value, and reinforce our community’s commitment to turning it into action.
At the 78th WHA in May 2025, IAPO, together with the Civil Society Engagement Mechanism for UHC2030 (CSEM), hosted a side event on the collaborative role of the global patient organisation community in advancing social participation for universal health coverage.
This session focused on social participation as a catalyst for UHC, highlighting IAPO’s new UHC Compass as a tool to amplify patient voices in health decision-making.
The event also explored how collaboration, trust, and partnership can unlock the full potential of the resolution, ensuring no one is left behind in an increasingly uncertain world.
Introducing the Patient Charter on Social Participation
Ahead of this year's WHA, we explored the concept of a Patient Charter on Social Participation, a practical advocacy tool to help patient organisations engage with governments and promote locally rooted, context-sensitive social participation.
Our side event confirmed the strong need for such a charter. IAPO is now working with members and allies to co-develop it, with plans to launch the charter this November at our Global Patients Congress.
Get Involved
Are you passionate about making social participation a reality?
Contact Antonia Gama, IAPO policy lead, at antonia@iapo.org.uk to learn more about the Patient Charter on Social Participation and how you and your organisation can be part of its development.
Deep dive
What is social participation and why does it matter?
Social participation means involving individuals, communities, and civil society in shaping health decisions and policies. It’s about:
- Inclusive engagement at every level of the health system
- Influence across the entire policy cycle
- Ensuring people’s voices help drive real change
The value of social participation for health systems
Social participation:
- Aligns services with real community needs
- Improves transparency, accountability, and trust
- Builds more resilient and responsive systems
- Elevates voices from underserved and underrepresented groups
Why it matters for patient organisations
For patient organisations, social participation is key. It enables advocacy rooted in lived experience, improves care design and delivery, and builds stronger, more inclusive communities. By actively participating in decision-making, patients, people with lived experience, communities ensure that health policies and systems reflect what truly matters to the people they serve.
Resources you may find useful
- WHO framework for meaningful engagement of people living with noncommunicable diseases, and mental health and neurological conditions - A guide for WHO staff and Member States to ensure meaningful engagement at global, regional, and national levels.
- Institutionalizing Social Participation in Health Policy - A WHO publication outlining strategies for embedding participation into health governance systems for stronger performance
- Advocacy Toolkit on Social Participation for UHC, Health, and Well-being – Created by the Civil Society Engagement Mechanism for UHC2030, provides advocacy strategies and tools, guidance to push governments toward action, ideas to strengthen collaboration and national platforms for participation.
- BMJ editorials
- World leaders unite to embed social participation in health systems
- Lived Experience to Global Action