The social participation agenda
Building on IAPO’s global strategy to support the implementation of the resolution on social participation for universal health coverage, health, and well-being, while strengthening the role of patient organisations, most recent activities include:
In late October 2024, IAPO delivered a statement at the 74th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, held in Copenhagen, Denmark on Agenda item 9: Framework for resilient and sustainable health systems in the WHO European Region 2025–2030. IAPO’s statement called on Member States to commit fully to the resolution, emphasising that involving patients, communities, and individuals with lived experience in policy design and implementation is essential to advancing safe, quality, equitable, and people-centred healthcare policies throughout Europe.
PEOF Virtual Session “Catalyzing Change: Using the WHO Resolution on Social Participation in health to achieve real patient-driven impact”
Register here and join us today! Hear from our CEO, Dani Mothci, along with panellists Antoine Boivin, Kira Koch, Vincent Dumez, Jennifer Austin, and Amanda Bok as they discuss how patient voices can shape more inclusive health policies and systems for Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Thursday, 14 November 2024
14:00-16:00 CET
This session is a unique opportunity to co-create actionable plans that advance the WHO resolution and drive meaningful change in health systems worldwide.
Mark your calendar for UHC Day on 12 December! This year’s theme, “Health: It’s on the Government!” emphasizes the crucial role of government investment in Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and its positive impact on equity, social cohesion, and the strength of national economies.
As a member of the Civil Society Engagement Mechanism (CSEM), IAPO joins in calling on advocates and organisations to push for strong commitments from governments. Here’s how you can get involved:
Click below to learn more about how you can contribute to this important campaign!
As part of our activities to mark UHC Day 2024, IAPO will officially launch the UHC Compass at an exciting webinar on 11 December 2024.
The UHC Compass is a living and evolving resource created by patients for patients to support local leaders and communities to concretely advance decision-making and universal health coverage on the ground.
The UHC Compass was co-created by participants in the Global Patient Think Tank (GPTT), bringing together diverse global perspectives to shape a patient- and community-driven UHC agenda and policy movement. As a co-creator of the Compass and a GPTT member, IAPO is proud to host the UHC Compass and ensure it reaches our broad global patient organisation community.
Stay tuned to our social media channels to learn more details about the launch soon!
A major highlight of our anniversary celebration is the launch of IAPO Turns 25, a 4-episode web series that captures IAPO’s impact over the years – and looking forward— featuring our global membership who have shaped our journey together with us.
Patient Solidarity Day 2024
At the heart of IAPO’s mission is the strength of the patient organisation community. Patient Solidarity Day 2024, to be observed on 9 December, will honour IAPO’s 25th anniversary by celebrating our global patient organisation community under the theme, “The Power of Community.”
We invite our network to contribute to our PSD 2024 campaign by sharing short quotes or video snippets with us at [email protected] that answer this question:
What is the power of the global patient organisation community?
Updates from the World Health Organization
1st Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children
The first-ever End Violence Against Children Ministerial Conference was convened by the Government of Colombia, with support from the Government of Sweden, UNICEF, the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children, and the World Health Organization. The event brought together global leaders, ministerial delegations, young people, survivors, and civil society allies to drive policy change, mobilise resources, and demonstrate that ending violence against children is imperative.
Click below to learn more about the impact of the conference and its call to action to end all forms of violence against children.
Closing Plenary of the 12th Intergovernmental Negotiating Body Meeting
The 12th meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) for a WHO instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response is currently underway in Geneva and online, running since 4 November 2024. The closing plenary, scheduled for 15 November, will be webcast, providing an opportunity for all stakeholders and the public to follow the discussions and witness the next steps in pandemic preparedness.
Resources and opportunities
Our Toolkit to Become an Informed Patient: Deciphering the World of Biosimilar Medicines equips patient organisations with essential insights into the science, regulatory landscape, and benefits of biosimilars. In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare environment, biosimilar medicines provide sustainable solutions by lowering treatment costs and broadening access to advanced therapies. However, regional differences in understanding and acceptance highlight the need for clear, accessible information.
Focused on patient empowerment, the toolkit offers user-friendly materials to support patient communities in advocating for equitable access and enabling patients to make informed decisions throughout their healthcare journey. We look forward to working together to expand access to affordable, effective treatments and advance better health outcomes worldwide!
The Declaration of Helsinki revised to address emerging ethical challenges
The Declaration of Helsinki which has long stood as a foundational text in medical research ethics, shaping the ethical principles that govern human participation in clinical research was recently revised to address emerging ethical challenges. Announced at the World Medical Association General Assembly in Helsinki, Finland, this updated Declaration reinforces ethical guidelines to protect patient rights and enhance transparency and fairness in clinical research ensuring that research serves the greater good with global justice at its core.
In response to the declaration revision, IAPO board member, Lara Bloom published an article to contextualize the history of the Declaration of Helsinki, analyze the implications of its latest revision, and emphasize the need for patient centricity in research ethics.
Upcoming events – pencil in!
14 November 2024
World Diabetes Day
World Diabetes Day is a day to raise awareness about diabetes as a critical global public health issue and emphasize the collective and individual actions needed to improve the prevention, diagnosis and management of the condition. This year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps,” underpins the need for everyone’s commitment to reducing the risk of diabetes, and ensuring that all people who are diagnosed with it have access to equitable, comprehensive, affordable and quality treatment and care.
Addressing the soaring diabetes burden, WHO is also launching a new global monitoring framework on diabetes. This tool represents a crucial step in the global response, providing comprehensive guidance to countries in measuring and evaluating diabetes prevention, care, outcomes and impacts. Click here to learn more about World Diabetes Day 2024.
18 November 2024
COP29 Health Day
As COP29 unfolds (11–22 November 2024), the urgent link between health and the climate crisis is at the forefront of discussions. Climate change impacts public health through extreme weather events, air quality, and the spread of infectious diseases, underscoring the need for health-centered climate action. Now more than ever, integrating health considerations into climate policies is essential to protect vulnerable populations and build a resilient future.
Click here to learn more about all health-related activities at COP29.
18 – 24 November 2024
World AMR Awareness Week
World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week 2024 (WAAW 2024), running from 18–24 November, centres on the theme “Educate. Advocate. Act now.” and underscores the urgent need for immediate action against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR endangers effective treatment of infections and global health security, making it essential for everyone to contribute.
Aligned with WAAW 2024, WHO and the WHO Civil Society Commission are hosting a Briefing Session on 19 November to highlight the importance of civil society engagement in designing and implementing AMR interventions.
Learn more about how to participate in WAAW 2024 on the official WHO campaign page.
