UHC2030 at HSR2024: Advancing equity and inclusion in health systems through civil society knowledge

The symposium, attended by over 1,500 participants from around the world, has become a key platform for systems- and policy-oriented research since its inception in 2008. Titled “Advancing equity and inclusion in health systems through increased use of civil society knowledge”, UHC2030's session on 21 November focused on how civil society knowledge and voices can enhance equity and inclusion in health systems to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Below is an overview of the key themes discussed.  

---

Key Themes   

Civil society as a key stakeholder

Moderated by Dr. Unni Gopinathan of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, the session explored the interplay between evidence-based decision-making and meaningful social participation. Speakers stressed that civil society’s knowledge provides unique, often undervalued insights that enhance policymaking.   

Dr. Augustina Koduah from the University of Ghana emphasized the need to integrate diverse knowledge sources, warning that an overreliance on academic evidence can exclude community voices and undermine inclusivity. She also identified challenges posed by fragmented advocacy efforts within civil society.   

Grassroots contributions to accountability 

Panelists such as Jacinta Nzinga (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine) and Ravi Ram (People’s Health Movement-Kenya) showcased how civil society strengthens accountability by contributing grassroots data, lived experiences and advocacy. Their insights underscored the importance of bridging research evidence with on-the-ground realities.   

Civil society’s role in vaccine rollouts   

Dennis Waithaka (KEMRI Wellcome Trust) presented case studies on HPV and malaria vaccine rollouts, demonstrating how civil society evidence addresses both rational and emotional dimensions of public health interventions, fostering greater acceptability and trust.   

Procedural fairness and policy sustainability   

Eduardo González Pier (Palladium Group) contextualized civil society’s influence within the broader framework of procedural fairness, highlighting how organized, well-funded civil society groups with political connections can drive equitable and sustainable health policies.   

Bridging policy and practice  

Justin Koonin (UHC Movement Political Panel) reflected on the session’s collective insights, emphasizing the diverse roles of health activists in shaping UHC progress—from grassroots advocacy to evidence generation.   

---

The session reinforced the importance of inclusive governance and the meaningful involvement of civil society in health policymaking. By incorporating the knowledge and voices of communities, policymakers can bridge gaps between national strategies and local needs, paving the way for equitable and inclusive health systems aligned with UHC goals.   

Tracking action on UHC commitments is essential to understand gaps in UHC progress, including who is left behind and why, as well as to hold governments and leaders accountable for UHC. Since the adoption of the first Political Declaration at the United Nations High-level Meeting on UHC in 2019, UHC2030 has been contributing to strengthening country accountability through its State of UHC commitment review, which analyzes the progress made towards implementing the UHC commitments. Following the development of the Action Agenda from the UHC Movement and the adoption of the second Political Declaration at the UN High-level Meeting on UHC in 2023, UHC2030 has worked to update its approach to tracking progress on the implementation of UHC commitments, focusing on equity, universality and the right to health as foundational principles of UHC.