UHC2030 сoalition encourages the use of political elections to make health a priority for governments

In 2024, a number of countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia region (Moldova, Romania, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Lithuania) will hold elections. UHC2030 encourages partners to initiate demands for increased investment in health systems strengthening in pre-election discussions, as this was the subject of many calls from WHO and other partners on UHC Day. A special guide has been prepared to simplify and synchronise actions.

“WHO was born 75 years ago on the conviction that health is a human right. And the best way to realize that right is universal health coverage. And investing in resilient health systems, based on strong primary health care, is the most inclusive, equitable and cost-effective path towards universal health coverage”, said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General in his public statement on UHC Day on 12 December 2023.

HOW CAN WE EFFECTIVELY INFLUENCE NATIONAL POLITICAL LEADERS?

The WHO Youth Council, together with the UHC2030 coalition and the Inter-Parliamentary Union, has launched a 100-day youth-led awareness campaign to engage parliamentarians to fulfil the promise of health for all.

Consequently, the UHC2030 coalition is calling on UHC supporters to influence national elections to ensure that health is prioritised on the political agenda of future leaders. For this purpose, a guide has been developed with practical advice and valuable resources on each of the 6 steps of the campaign, from audience identification to post-election follow-up.

WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER?

An important principle of such engagement in political elections, according to the UHC2030 Coalition, is to maintain political neutrality. It is recommended to engage a wide range of stakeholders so as not to alienate any particular political force and/or candidate. Through this approach, UHC advocates will be able to collaborate with politicians from different political parties and achieve more constructive dialogue and, ultimately, effective change in government systems.

HOW CAN MY ORGANISATION AND/OR TEAM ORGANISE A CAMPAIGN DURING ELECTIONS IN MY COUNTRY?

UHC2030 is ready to consider requests for support, as well as welcomes feedback on the guide at info@uhc2030.org. Alternatively, if you would like to organise an election campaign in your country, please register following this link.