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WACI Health at UNGA 79

WACI Health at UNGA 79

As the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) unfolded in New York, civil society and communities from across the world joined the discussions both within and outside the UN’s formal halls, striving to hold leaders accountable to the people-centered principle that begins the UN Charter: “We the peoples of the United Nations.”

Nombasa Gxuluwe (Programs Manager), Fitsum Lakew Alemayahu (AU Liaison Manager, CiSPHA Coordinator), Laura Philidor (CSEM Advocacy and Communications Officer), and Carthi Mannikarottu (Communications Lead) from WACI Health attended the Summit of the Future Action Days, the High Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance, and various side events discussing issues of health and civil society engagement in global governance.

Highlights from #UNGA79

Looking to the Future
At the Summit of the Future (20-23 September), Member States adopted The Pact for the Future, which includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations. The Pact pledges actions in five focus areas: peace and security, sustainable development, science and technology, youth and future generations, and the transformation of global governance. While it includes aspirational statements on the future we want, it lacks specific timelines and targets or commitments to resources for the change we need. It also fails to highlight health as a specific action clause despite the outsized role health plays in driving success of all other sustainable development goals.

Leading up to the Summit, the Health ImPACT Coalition – co-led by STOPAIDS, International Treatment Preparedness Coalition, Global (ITPC), Frontline AIDS, Global Fund Advocates Network (GFAN), Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+) and WACI Health – mobilized over 300 health advocates to elevate issues of health, community leadership and engagement, community data, and accountability in the Pact discussions (See toolkit for more). At the Summit of the Future, ITPC’s Executive Director Solange Baptiste delivered a statement on behalf of the Coalition.

The Health ImPACT Coalition co-leads hosted a civil society side event to discuss next steps for the coalition and take stock on our joint advocacy since the Coalition’s creation in May. The co-leads agreed to maintain the momentum through continued consultations and connect with other advocacy groups for experience sharing. While the Pact for the Future lacks the concrete targets and accountability mechanisms needed to drive true transformation, we – along with our civil society partners – remain committed to holding world leaders accountable to their commitments for a better future for all. This includes continuing to push for more inclusive and effective governance, including within the UN system and global initiatives.

Tackling the Silent Pandemic
At the UN High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) on September 26, world leaders adopted a political declaration, which sets key targets to combat AMR and address the growing threat of drug-resistant infections. Antibiotic resistance directly caused 1.2 million deaths in 2019 and was linked to nearly 5 million associated deaths; a recent study projects that from 2025 to 2050, 39 million deaths will be directly attributable to AMR. The declaration emphasizes a One Health approach to tackle antibiotic resistance and includes targets such as reducing AMR-related deaths by 10 percent by 2030 and mobilizing USD $100 million to implement AMR National Action Plans. It also reiterates a commitment to universal health coverage (UHC) as being critical in AMR efforts, aligned with CSEM messages.

WACI Health worked with the Stop TB Partnership to amplify a set of Key Asks developed by Stop TB Partnership, along with partners. Strong advocacy resulted in TB being a top priority in the Political Declaration on AMR with seven references to TB in the final declaration. In addition, WACI Health with other CiSPHA partners and the Ecumenical Pharmaceutical Network (EPN) produced an African CSOs Common Position on AMR through consultations and inputs from CSOs in Africa and around the world.

Notably, the final declaration fell short in addressing antibiotic use in food systems. At a civil society side event hosted by ReAct and a global coalition of civil society and community advocates, environmentalist Sunita Narain emphasized that the role of civil society is in advocating for the prevention agenda – ensuring that antibiotic misuse is prevented, particularly in industrial food systems, before drug-resistant infections threaten the overburdened health systems of LMICs. A civil society Call to Action was shared with leaders ahead of the High-Level Meeting.

The link between climate and AMR is a critical priority for our advocacy for the upcoming G20. Dr. Ethel Maciel (Ministry of Health, Brazil) noted at a side event hosted by the Pandemic Action Network that the G20 declaration that is being developed will focus on linking climate change, a One Health approach, and AMR. WACI Health is an active participant in the C20 discussions on health, including on the sidelines of UNGA. Civil society continues to engage in TB and AMR advocacy to the G20, calling for investments in TB research and development for better diagnostics and shorter treatment regimens as well as for the implementation of local and regional manufacturing that supports equitable access and affordability. 

Recommitting to UHC
At the 5th Annual Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Friends of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Global Health on September 24, global leaders emphasized the need for financial protection to achieve equitable health access for all. Several ministers shared stories of national progress in increasing domestic resources for health, such as Uganda’s health budget reforms that helped lower out-of-pocket spending and Sierra Leone’s experience with a debt swap program to increase health investments.

The CSEM with WACI Health and other Health ImPACT Coalition partners held a civil society discussion on the Lusaka Agenda on September 24. The Lusaka Agenda, launched in December 2023, presents five key shifts for the evolution of global health initiatives and the long-term strengthening of the global health financing ecosystem. WACI Health’s Fitsum Lakew Alemayahu participated in the presentation about implementing the Agenda and principles of civil society engagement.

UHC2030 and the UN Foundation also hosted a multi-stakeholder roundtable on the Lusaka Agenda along with leadership from the governments of Canada, Japan, Mozambique, and Nigeria. Participants discussed concrete steps for advancing the Agenda, focusing on country implementation, areas of joint work, and cross-sector collaboration. WACI Health participated in the roundtable as part of the Future of Global Health Initiatives consultation group.

Financing Health
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced a new Health Impact Investment Platform in partnership with regional multilateral development banks (MDBs), and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The Platform aims to strengthen primary healthcare and build resilience against pandemic threats. An initial contribution of EUR €10 million was signed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and WHO to support efforts in 15 countries. The countries identified for phase one investment plans include Ethiopia, Senegal, and Zambia. 

At UNGA, the President of Kenya highlighted the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for LMICs, and reinforced the call for USD $120 billion made by African heads of states at the IDA 21 Summit in April 2024. Denmark announced a pledge of USD $491.7 million, a 40 percent increase over the country’s contribution in the last replenishment cycle. WACI Health continues advocacy efforts for a successful IDA replenishment with the ACTION Global Health Partnership and will participate in the World Bank Annual Meetings in October 2024 in order to ensure civil society priorities are elevated in financing discussions.

Reform was a key theme across UNGA79 and side event discussions. It is clear that today’s challenges and opportunities – including climate change, the largest youth population in history, and artificial intelligence – require reforms in global governance institutions and financing structures as well as in the thinking around leadership and decision-making. Other critical conversations we participated in included protecting the right to health for all, championing gender equality, enabling the digital transformation of health, strengthening cross-sectoral local governance, harnessing African leadership including in research and manufacturing, and building sustained inclusion of civil society and communities in governance. Many of these discussions will continue as we look into the last quarter of the year, carrying forward the momentum of UNGA 79 to build a better future for all.

CategoriesMeet the Team Edition Article
byWACI Health

Meet ‘Gloria’

‘Meet the Team Edition’ is a new series where you get to know our WACI Health Team much better. This month we will be focusing on Gloria Mululu, the Programs Officer at WACI Health. She is an experienced Public and Occupational Health advocate.

Question: What made you interested in advocacy and how long have you worked in this field?

Answer:
I have always had a passion for working with people but could not figure out how to channel it. When I was younger, I dreamed of being in the medical field, either as a nurse or a doctor; however, I didn’t make it to medical school. The closest I got to my ambitions was through my undergraduate studies in social work and psychology. I then pursued a Master’s in Public Health, which allowed me to enter the advocacy space.

Question: What has your experience been at WACI and what are your key takeaways?

Answer:

Working at WACI Health has been an incredibly educational experience. The organization continues to give me the runway to learn and numerous opportunities to constantly sharpen my advocacy skills. I recently chaired the Regional Adolescent Health Indaba (RAHI) Conference 2024, which was a successful and humbling experience in my advocacy career, as it was the first conference I chaired. In addition, the opportunity to work from home enables me to deliver quality work but at the same time, I am able to be present in my young daughters’ lives as I journey with them as they grow.

Question: What advice would you give to Africans looking to strengthen their advocacy and pushing for health for all?

Answer:

Foremost, Africans need to speak up. We are not in the era where we don’t care what happens in our health facilities and choose to ignore substandard delivery of services that we outrightly deserve. Being a Kenyan, I have observed my fellow country people being very bold at speaking out on matters that concern them, which is a key lesson others should note. I would encourage us all to continue speaking up, especially in the right places, not only in the service provision levels but also in meetings where donors, partners, and other key health stakeholders are present in order to make the message effective and have a bigger impact.

Question: What challenges have you faced and how have they shaped you?

Answer:

I wouldn’t call it a challenge but rather an technical obstacle that I overcame. In the advocacy space, it’s crucial to stay updated on global and regional conversations. This requires a lot of reading and engagement to fully grasp concepts and navigate the work more effectively and efficiently. My incredible colleague, Joyce Ng’ang’a, frequently shares valuable materials with me. Additionally, my continuous exposure to the various lines of work at WACI Health, combined with my steady engagement and inquisitive nature, enables me to quickly understand and contribute meaningfully.

Question: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Answer:

To finally graduate from my Master’s program that I have been pursuing has been a long-awaited achievement. My passion and joy come from being in spaces where I have little prior knowledge, as I love the challenge of satisfying my hunger for learning and constantly acquiring new knowledge. I am confident that I will find myself in academia. While I am unsure of when, how, or which program I will pursue next, I know it will be a degree that I will actively apply and that will play a significant role in shaping my career path.

Question: One interesting/ unique thing you love doing.

Answer:

I really love cooking, even though there have been times when I get the recipe wrong and the meal doesn’t turn out as expected. Still, I always go back to the drawing board and keep trying until I get it right. This process is especially meaningful to me because I do it with my daughter, making it a cherished bonding experience that I hold dear.

Question: Best song you’re currently listening to?

Answer:

I have two songs and one artist that I really enjoy. The first is ‘Kana Ndanyura’ by Killer T, a Zimbabwean artist. I came across this catchy song at the RAHI 2024 conference – it was heartwarming to see young people dancing to it and adopting it as the conference’s theme song. The second song is ‘Nikukonde’ by Ty2, a Zambian artist. Lastly, I love the music of a Kenyan local artist named Njerae.

 

CategoriesArticle WACI Health News
byWACI Health

Panel: Domestic Resource Mobilisation for Sustainable Health Systems

Panel: Domestic Resource Mobilisation for Sustainable Health Systems

On September 6, WACI Health participated in a panel discussion, “A Resolute Pathway to Sustainable Domestic Resource Mobilisation for Health” led by the Health NGOs Network (HENNET). The session was held at the Kenyatta International Conference Center in Nairobi, Kenya under the Medic East Africa and Medlab East Africa Expo and Conference 2024.

Panellists – including Dr. Margaret Lubaale of HENNET, Regina Ombam from the East Africa Community, Dr. Samual Kinyanjui of AHF Kenya, and David Kabera from WACI Health – discussed the need for Domestic Resource Mobilisation (DRM) for health and strategies to improve domestic funding. DRM aims to reduce dependence on external funding and ensure sustainable financing for health services. The session was moderated by Rosemarie Muganda from PATH.

David Kabera (left), Regina Ombam (centre) and Dr. Samual Kinyanjui (right)

David Kabera, Policy and Advocacy Officer at WACI Health, spoke about essential components needed to build resilient health systems, including the critical role of domestic funding for health. He emphasised that it is not enough to increase resources but rather, ensure that strategic investments are made in critical areas like primary health care. He noted that strategies must be tailored to each country’s unique context and that in addition to developing better health policies, ensuring their effective implementation is the pressing charge for the African continent today.

The panel highlighted approaches to ensure the efficient use of available resources, improving budget absorption, and using evidence to ensure strategic upstream investments. Accountability was a recurring theme with panellists noting the role of localised decision-making to promote transparency and ensure health systems are responsive.

A healthcare model that focuses on community welfare and value-based care is needed to reduce inefficiencies and strengthen systems.

The session was attended by healthcare professionals, policymakers, industry experts, and civil society representatives interested in the evolving healthcare landscape in the region. A recording is available here.

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CategoriesMeet the Team Edition Article
byWACI Health

Meet ‘Nombasa’

‘Meet the Team Edition’ is a new series where you get to know our WACI Health Team much better. This month we will be focusing on Nombasa Gxuluwe, the Programs Manager at WACI Health. She is a Health and Human Rights activist with extensive experience in campaigning, lobbying and advocacy.

Question: What made you interested in advocacy and how long have you worked in this field?

Answer:
It was a mere coincidence – during the period I had just completed my university education and was searching for work, I attended HIV Prevention workshops in my area, courtesy of my mother who happened to be a healthcare worker and facilitator of these workshops. I became passionate when I got to better understand the challenges South Africa was facing in regards to HIV/AIDS then and the scarcity of access to prevention measures as opposed to today. This became my entry into advocacy. I then began exploring other avenues as I wanted to be the change I wanted to see.

Question: What has your experience been at WACI and what are your key takeaways?

Answer:

It has been a wonderful experience. WACI Health has taken my work to new heights. I have been able to broaden my scope from local advocacy in South Africa to regional advocacy in Africa. I have come to realise that health challenges in Africa are quite similar and that we need to collectively put forward tremendous efforts in addressing these recurrent challenges by coming up with proper solutions. In addition, WACI Health is women-led, which is quite encouraging to me – seeing women in our society playing a big role in agitating for better healthcare in our continent.

Question: What advice would you give to Africans looking to strengthen their advocacy and pushing for health for all?

Answer:

First is to reduce the ignorance many of us have in regards to healthcare in Africa, so that there are many Africans understanding and tackling challenges affecting health in Africa. Mobilising Africans and informing them on the depth of the challenges we are currently facing and the cause of inaction would, in my opinion, grow the number of passionate and self driven Africans who would join the advocacy space and agitate for better healthcare services for their people.

Question: What challenges have you faced and how have they shaped you?

Answer:

Working with people with different backgrounds and beliefs is quite a challenge. It is important to always have alternative ideas and strategies in tackling challenges and delivery of objectives. Having an open mind and understanding people’s diversity helps me strategise and properly plan for myself. This helps diversify my approach in order to achieve my set goals and the goals of WACI Health.

Question: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Answer:

The biggest chunk of my work and passion is towards protecting human rights. My heart bleeds seeing what is currently happening in Africa and the passing of draconian laws. My hope is that in the next five years, we would manage to mobilise champions and voices that can talk more sense to power, and ensure people’s rights are protected and promoted in order for them to live freely and enjoy their freedom. On top of that, we must build a second layer of leadership by taking our youth to the table and ensuring that we have diverse approaches in tackling Africa’s healthcare problems.

Question: One interesting/ unique thing you love doing.

Answer:

I really love organising social gatherings that involve my family and friends. I ensure everything is in order and flows seamlessly as the event takes place.

Question: Best song you’re currently listening to?

Answer:

I currently love listening to Molo Sisi by our local artist, Mandisi Dyantis.

 

CategoriesArticle YL4H
byWACI Health

Under the Tree – August Edition

Under the Tree is a program led by WACI Health that connects youth leaders passionate about health and healthcare systems, and fosters them to advocate for policy change at key national, regional and global advocacy moments. The young leaders aim to influence decision-makers on health issues during a range of pivotal moments – including, for example, such as national elections, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, and World Malaria Day. 

The August Edition of Under the Tree’s signature event featured Elliard Kupfuma, a development practitioner based in Zimbabwe, as the key speaker. About 30 young leaders engaged in this knowledge exchange program with the former mentee. He presented on ‘The Role of Youth in Reimagining SRHR Policy Narratives in Africa’. The sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) framework recognises the fundamental rights of individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, and requires the participation of young people to ensure that policies reflect their unique needs, experiences, and perspectives. Engaging youth in shaping SRHR policy narratives fosters inclusivity, promotes innovation, and strengthens efforts toward achieving equitable access to sexual and reproductive health services across Africa.

Stay tuned for our monthly editions of Under the Tree.

CategoriesMeet the Team Edition Article
byWACI Health

Meet ‘Rosemary’

‘Meet the Team Edition’ is a new series where you get to know our WACI Health Team much better. This month we will be focusing on Rosemary Mburu, the Executive Director at WACI Health. She is a global health advocate and civil society leader in Africa working to create political will for improved health outcomes in Africa.

Question: What made you interested in advocacy and how long have you done it?

Answer:

“There was a gap in the access point of view. The HIV epidemic was ravaging across communities in Kenya and in Africa. I came to understand the biggest factor around changing that was through political will. We required decision makers to make the right decisions that would favour people and ensure that there is access to HIV services (prevention, treatment, care and support). This was my entry point into advocacy and by seeing how other advocates pushed, made me attracted to the movement. This happened in the year 2007/ 2008. The HIV movement served as my entry point, but I have since evolved into global health advocacy.”

Question: What has your experience been at WACI and what are your key takeaways?

Answer:

I have had a great experience. I love my work, the people, the environment, and the impact I am making in the advocacy space. My key takeaway is the power of people’s voices and what we can achieve when we come together. I have learned that in this field, it is less important to push yourself through a door, space, or process, and more important to mobilize movements to increase impact. WACI Health strengthens the voices of civil society, allowing them to continue amplifying their messages and boosting their impact and reach.

Question: How is it being a woman leader in those big board rooms dominated by men?

Answer:

Being a female leader carries certain responsibilities due to societal perceptions. Today, we don’t need to specify “female leaders”; we simply say “leaders.” Holding a leadership position as a woman comes with the privilege and awareness that you have significant influence to effect positive change. It is an honor to lead an organization and civil society in the region while also connecting with the global civil society. Despite challenges, such as considering the broader impact of your decisions on communities and civil society, my focus is not only on amplifying and ensuring WACI Health’s visibility but also on enhancing the visibility and influence of civil society as a whole.

Question: What challenges have you faced and how have they shaped you?

Answer:

One of the biggest challenges is embracing diversity and inclusion. If not approached carefully, it is easy to miss the mark. Understanding that communities and civil society are not homogeneous but highly diverse is crucial. As advocates, being mindful of our actions allows us to fully embrace this diversity and recognize the various players within the civil society space. It’s important to avoid leaning solely on groups that align with our own perspectives. This approach ties back to cultural humility—being aware of others’ orientations, socializations, and priorities, and promoting a collective voice rather than targeting a single group.

Question: Where do you see WACI Health in the next 5 years?

Answer:

As we approach the 2030 goals, the world will be determining the next set of global objectives within the development space. This process has already begun with the UN Summit of the Future, and I envision WACI Health playing a crucial role in ensuring that health remains a key priority in the upcoming development agenda.

Question: One interesting/ unique thing you love doing.

Answer:

I truly cherish the beautiful aspects of life: people, cultures, art, and nature.

CategoriesAfNHI Article
byWACI Health

Building SRHR & HIV Prevention with UHC

Sexual and Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) and HIV Prevention with Universal Health Coverage (UHC) was convened jointly by AfNHi, WACI Health, CASPR, WHO, CSEM, Frontline AIDS, from 18th to 20th June 2024 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. The meeting brought together lead advocates from nine selected African countries spearheading the process at the country level, with the intention of implementing this initiative.

 

The selection process was based on the existing partnerships between the collaborating entities and country partners who are already engaging in the integration of SRHR and UHC. The countries included; Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Malawi, Uganda, Burundi, and Kenya. The two-and-a-half-day project commenced with a needs assessment, informing the development of training workshops and adopting an advocate’s guide based on the WHO handbook. The workshop provided a platform for the advocates and partners to discuss, deliberate and share experiences. Participants also explored challenges, best practices and lessons learnt in Bridging Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and HIV Prevention with Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The forum took an open floor model with presentations, group work, and plenary sessions.

 

Click here to access more information.

 

CategoriesArticle
byWACI Health

CiSPHA REGIONAL WEBINAR

CiSPHA REGIONAL WEBINAR

African Union (AU) Engagement with CSOs and Update on Global Health Negotiation Processes: The Intergovernmental Negotiations Body (INB)

 

On 11th April 2024, the Africa Civil Society Platform for Health (CiSPHA) held a Regional Webinar for representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) to engage in conversations on the African Union Engagement with CSOs and Update on Global Health Negotiation Processes: The International Negotiations Body (INB). 45 participants from across Africa and the world joined the discussions. The webinar was moderated by Gloria Mululu,Policy & Advocacy at WACI Health.

Bright Sefah, Policy Officer at AU-ECOSOCC, spoke on how the AU has evolved from a political organisation to being Citizens focused where citizens take centre stage and get to participate through Civil societies and own the Development in the region. He further spoke on AU-CSOs engagement through the new accreditation framework.AU is doing so much to enhance itself in areas of health to achieve a healthy continent as a whole in line with Agenda 2063.

Nahason Aluoka, Strategic Advisor at Pandemic Action Network, gave an update on the Intergovernmental Negotiations Body processes, specifically the International Negotiations Body. There is division on issues such as One Health, Pandemic Access & Benefit Sharing System (PABS), IP and Tech transfer, Financing and accountability issues.Another resumed session is planned for 29th April to May 10th since INB 9 did not end on a good note and there is limited time to deliver the Convention agreement as many countries are going through elections

Lizzy Otaye, Advocacy and Communication specialist at EANNASO emphasised on the need for equity in global health processes. She mentioned that there is a need for equity since most Public Health Interventions work are at community level, thus it is important to involve them in the processes. There is a concern on how Pandemic preparedness programs are formed and the need to identify the role of CSOs in these programmes from the start.

 

Read more:

CategoriesArticle
byWACI Health

Day of the African Child Commemoration

Day of the African Child Commemoration
By Brenda Bonareri

“Education for all children in Africa: the time is now” is the 2024 theme for the Day of the African Child (DAC) commemoration. 

Every year since 1991, the commemoration of the DAC happens on June 16th. It was first initiated by the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) to honor those who participated in the Soweto Uprising in 1976. It also raises awareness of the continuing need for improvement in the education provided to African children.

This year was not different when it came to the celebration of this special day.The International Network of Religious Leaders Living With or Personally Affected By HIV (INERELA+) Kenya hosted the commemoration on 15th June at the Presbyterian Guest House, Nairobi, Kenya. Several stakeholders attended the event to mark this special day. During the event, we had the Swahili tagline “Afya yetu utajiri wetu,” which means our health, our wealth.

The event was graced by government officials from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, National AIDS and STI Control Program (NASCOP), and civil registration services. Civil society and communities were also represented by religious leaders from different religions and CSOs like Stop TB Partnership Kenya, WACI Health, VacciNations Campaign, EGPAF, WOFAK, and Mtoto News, among others. Children were also in attendance.Throughout the speeches, the need to protect children was emphasized. There was also a lot of emphasis on living in a discrimination-free world for HIV-infected people.

NASCOP highlighted the government’s commitment to eliminating mother-to-child transmission. They also informed us of the government’s triple threat strategy, which includes three things: ending GBV by 2027, ending teenage pregnancies, and eliminating new infections among children by 2027. ”The ministry of health is an active promoter of child protection. Let us champion good health, adequate nutrition, safety and security, education, and nurturing, said Janette Karimi, Head of Newborn and Child Health, Ministry of Health.

The Ministry of Education representative emphasized that the protection of children is not only on the UN agenda but also on the African and Government of Kenya agendas. She stressed how education is the key to children’s dreams, but HIV and TB remain threats to this. She believes this event reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect, nurture and empower children. “Let us work collaboratively to ensure no child is left behind.”

The event ended with the launch of the Call to Action, which had several action points for the government and other stakeholders. This included a call to the ministry of health to support vaccination for children, a call to communities to provide a safe environment for children, and a call for the government to invest more in children’s health, among other action points.

The VacciNations campaign led by PATH and WACI Health calls for the prioritization of children’s immunization. Stronger advocacy and commitment from our leaders is needed to ensure African children receive the immunization needed for a strong and healthy life. Children deserve to live in a safe community!

 

CategoriesArticle
byWACI Health

UN CSOs Conference

UN CSOs Conference 2024

The flagship event on Civil Society’s calendar was The UN Civil Society Conference which happened in Nairobi, Kenya during May 9-10, 2024. CSOs were offered a forum to address global issues, convene senior UN officials, notable international civil society organisations, youth changemakers, academics, public opinion leaders, and international media to deliberate on matters of worldwide concern. The conference managed to provide preliminary discussions and data ahead of the ‘Summit of the Future’ in September 2024 at the UN Headquarters in New York. 

The UN CSOs conference participation was “successful”, despite some shortcomings: the oversight of prioritising health in the ‘Pact for the Future’ and the displeasing fact that health was not recognized among the 20 ImPACT coalitions; managed to score a big win on the latter, by which CSOs delivered as one and secured an ImPACT coalition for health despite all the push back and unfounded reasoning to make up for the failure to do so. So far the Health ImPACT coalition has 329 members from all over the world. 

WACI Health was at the centre of this success by providing its experience, technical advice and assistance and coordinating with other CSOs on the lobbying and demonstration, urging the UN to recognize Health among the ImPACT coalitions. Our efforts have contributed to the success of having the ImPACT coalition on Health which is co-led by WACI Health, GFAN, ITPC Global, GNP+, Frontline AIDS and STOPAIDS. Following the formation of the Coalition, on May 21, the Co-Leads hosted a webinar ‘The Summit of the Future: Implications for Global Health’. In parallel, ITPC published a white paper: “From the Ground UP: How Community Action Redefines Global Crisis Management”. Key considerations ahead of the 2024 UN Summit of the Future – aiming to support the urgent call to action to do things differently. 

With over 120 participants online, we applied to establish a coalition focused on health to provide a space to continue this discussion and engage in the Summit of the Future. At the UN CSOs Conference, additional organisations/participants joined the effort, delivering the following statement; 

The Pact of the Future must COMMIT TO HEALTH

Today, over half of the world’s population lack access to essential health services. The pact for the Future cannot speak of the interests of the future generations without prioritising the right to health, among all, economic, cultural and social rights. Action on health requires action on the social, commercial and political causes of health and disease. 

Health is a fundamental human right. Every human being is entitled to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health, conducive to living a life in dignity. Health and gender are closely intertwined, through sexual and reproductive health rights, UHC and the struggle against HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, non-communicable disease and childhood illnesses. 

There is no future without health. Without health for all, we cannot eradicate poverty and inequality to tackle our climate crisis. Health is essential to meet all the SDGs. Yet, health inequalities are a pervasive global issue. There is no health if it is not properly funded, or if our governments are crippled by debt and tax injustices. Furthermore, we have already seen that private financing and provision of health services drives health and gender inequities. Our future generations deserve the right to health care as a public service. Our financing architecture needs to be transformed to include health as a critical priority, served by global finance rather than subservient to money. 

Health is not a privilege. Health is a human right, for everyone, everywhere! Health rights are necessary for fulfilling all other human rights. Every human being is entitled to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health conducive to living a life in dignity. 

What is the point of a Pact for the Future that ignores health? The draft version for civil society makes scant mention of health, and equally undervalues human rights, gender and all other public services. That must change before the Pact is finalised at the Summit for the Future. 

 

Summit of the Future: 

The Summit of the Future is a high-level event, bringing world leaders together to forge a new international consensus on how to deliver a better present and safeguard the future. This once-in-a-generation opportunity serves as a moment to mend eroded trust and demonstrate that international cooperation can effectively tackle current challenges as well as those that have emerged in recent years or may yet be over the horizon.

We already have the “what” in the form of many existing agreements and commitments, starting with the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and many others.

The Summit of the Future will look at the “how” – how to cooperate better to deliver on the above aspiration and goals? How are the needs of the present while also preparing for the challenges of the future?

 

The ImPACT Coalition: 

This ImPACT Coalition will focus its efforts on ensuring that the outcomes of the Summit of the Future are well connected to the upcoming World Social Summit set to take place in September 2025. This includes a strong focus on poverty eradication, social protection, and social cohesion

 

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