For the first time in history, world leaders have united to prioritise social participation within global health systems. In a landmark resolution passed by the World Health Organization (WHO) at the 77th World Health Assembly in June 2024, governments around the world are now committed to empowering people, communities, and civil society by ensuring their active involvement in health-related decision-making processes. This move is not just symbolic; it represents a global shift towards recognising the essential role that individuals and communities play in shaping health systems.
The resolution acknowledges that health is not solely created by healthcare professionals but by the people and communities who live it every day. Whether it’s patients managing chronic conditions like diabetes or civil society organisations advocating for marginalised groups, the collective experience and knowledge of these groups are invaluable. By embedding social participation into the fabric of health systems, we can harness the collective intelligence and resources necessary to address the complex challenges facing global health today.
For years, people with diabetes have championed the call for “Nothing About Us Without Us,” emphasising that health systems often fail to address the unique needs of the diabetes community—needs that can only be fully understood by those living with the condition. As this movement has gained momentum, concerns have also surfaced. Some fear that participatory decision-making has, at times, become merely tokenistic, with diverse communities neither truly empowered nor adequately represented in the processes that affect their lives.
The resolution also stresses the importance of ensuring that the voices of vulnerable and marginalised groups, including women, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous Peoples, are amplified in health-related decisions. This is a crucial step towards addressing the health inequities that disproportionately affect these communities.
One of the key aspects of this resolution is the call for stable public funding to support social participation. This ensures that such participation is not just a series of ad hoc initiatives but a core function within health systems worldwide. By doing so, governments are held accountable for creating an equitable environment where all voices can be heard, reducing power imbalances, and fostering long-term relationships with communities.
Moreover, this resolution is not just about words—it’s about action. Governments are now politically obligated to demonstrate progress every two years. The WHO has provided tools and guidance to support the implementation of this resolution, including examples of global best practices and evidence-based strategies.
For diabetes advocates, this is a significant moment. The experiences and insights of people living with diabetes are critical in designing better and more inclusive health systems. The WHO resolution offers a powerful tool to influence national and international health policies, ensuring that the voices of those with lived experience are not just heard but acted upon.
In conclusion, while the social participation movement is global, its strength lies in local action. As advocates, we must continue to engage, share our stories, and build coalitions that ensure no one is left behind. This resolution is a call to action—to amplify our voices, influence policies, and work towards a world where health systems are truly of the people, by the people, and for the people.
Advocacy Action: As diabetes advocates, let’s use this momentum to push for greater inclusion in health policy-making. Share your experiences, engage in dialogues with your local representatives and parliamentarians, and ensure that our voices lead to meaningful change. The future of our health systems depends on it.