WHO EPI-WIN webinar: Social Participation: Synergies in Systems Strengthening and Emergency Response

A conversation about how to bring people's voices into emergency response and health policies

The COVID-19 crisis has laid bare the need for robust governance of both the emergency response and health systems. Advice to political leaders on the COVID-19 response was largely provided by specialist experts or those with an established relationship with government bodies, reflecting a default governance mode which is still not inclusive. Populations, communities, and civil society were usually either not consulted at all, insufficiently consulted, or consulted very late. Yet we know that such dialogue initiatives are crucial to building trust in government institutions, and gaining broad acceptance of public health measures. Social participation, although not novel in theory, is innovative in practice as decision-makers still struggle with the ‘how’ of bringing in people’s voice into emergency responses and health policies.

Speakers:

Ms Isa Alves

Consultant and teacher in health communication, Portugal

Mr Ricardo Fernandes

Director, GAT - Grupo de Ativistas em Tratamentos (Treatment Activist Group)    A community-based Portuguese NGO and a patient organization

Dr Hela Ben Mesmia

President, Management Unit of the Societal Dialogue for Health System Reform, Ministry of Public Health, Tunisia

Dr Adbellatif Chabbou

President, Red Crescent, Tunisia

Ms Kira Koch

Technical Officer, Department for Health Systems Governance and Financing Department World Health Organization

Dr Agnes Soucat

Director, Department for Health System Governance and Financing World Health Organization

Moderator:

Ms Mindy Frost

Technical Lead, Risk Communication, World Health Organization Health Emergencies Programme

Please send your questions in advance to Katherine at epi-win@who.int