World leaders unite to embed social participation in health systems

For the first time in the World Health Organization’s 76 year history, world leaders have unanimously committed to strengthen, systematise, and sustain social participation in health and wellbeing.1 This landmark resolution recognises social participation as “empowering people, communities, and civil society through inclusive participation in decision making processes that affect health across the policy cycle and at all levels of the system.”2 Governments will be held accountable for progress to 2030.

Health is created by people, communities, and civil society.3 Patients develop deep knowledge in caring for themselves and others, navigating complex systems, and finding solutions in everyday life.4 Civil society often fills gaps in access for marginalised communities.5 While people are increasingly being engaged as partners in health systems,67 …