Universal health coverage (UHC) aims to ensure that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. The outcome of elections can determine whether a government prioritizes and invests in building a robust health system that protects the right to health of the country’s people and communities.
By consistently engaging in the electoral process, UHC advocates can influence the selection of policymakers who are committed to prioritizing the fundamental right to health. Sustained engagement also fosters a culture where healthcare is a recurring and prioritized electoral issue.
This tool provides guidance for UHC advocates wishing to influence the elections taking place in their countries.
With elections taking place in over 70 countries in 2024, this is a pivotal moment to ensure your future leaders keep health high on their political agendas and understand the importance of taking urgent and meaningful action towards health for all.
But the work doesn’t stop once the elections are over. Staying involved after national elections and actively participating in mid-term and local elections are crucial if we wish to create lasting change. Major elections may shape the overarching political landscape, but mid-term and local elections directly impact the composition of legislatures and decision-making bodies at levels closer to the community.
Recordings
To learn more about the Election Advocacy Guide, you can watch the recording of our first online session “Getting UHC on the ballot! How to influence elections in your country to keep health high on political agendas” held on March 14, 2024.
During this 2nd webinar on elections, we learnt more to foster peer-to-peer learning on experiences in countries in advocating for health during elections. Click below to have access to more information, including the presntation, recording and follow-up survey.
Surveys
As we think about next steps to support you, we welcome your views on how to stay in touch and continue to build on the Election advocacy guide: Getting UHC on the ballot. Please complete this quick survey below. We look forward to hearing from you!
Articles
Read articles/ blogs/ testimonials from CSEM members who share their successful experiences of electoral advocacy, good practice, actions and events held to put universal public health at the top of the national political agenda. To be considered for publication on this page, please send your contribution to laura@wacihealth.org
Resources
The Health for all advocacy toolkit, key information and tools to advocate for UHC, hold policy-makers accountable for their commitments, and build a broad social movement within civil society to support health for all
Civil Society briefing note on the analysis of the 2023 Political Declaration on UHC
Action Agenda from the UHC Movement, a set of action-oriented policy recommendations that country leaders should implement to strengthen resilient and equitable health systems, advance UHC and health security, and deliver health for all by 2030. 10
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