TL/DR –
Health and policy experts gathered in Geneva to encourage the World Health Organization (WHO) to focus on self-care in public health policies. Advocates from the Global Self-Care Federation argue that such a resolution could lead to significant policy changes and cost savings, potentially generating up to $119 billion annually for health systems. They also highlight the ability of self-care to address global health worker shortages and improve accessibility to essential health services, particularly for disadvantaged populations.
Health Ministers, Experts Advocate for WHO Self-Care Resolution
Health ministers from Costa Rica and Malawi participated in a summit in Geneva, advocating for a self-care resolution from the World Health Organization (WHO). The meeting, co-hosted by Costa Rica, Egypt, and Malawi, was organized by the Global Self-Care Federation (GSCF), and representatives from Guatemala, Belize, Panama, and El Salvador also attended.
“The potential for self-care is enormous,” said Iain Chapple, Professor of Periodontology at the University of Birmingham, emphasizing the need for a multidimensional approach and collaboration across fields.
Judy Stenmark, GSCF Director-General, advocated for embedding self-care in public health policy, indicating that a WHO resolution could lead to meaningful policy changes and cost savings for healthcare systems. A policy brief by the United for Self-Care Coalition suggests self-care protocols could save health systems up to $119 billion annually.
With a predicted global shortage of 18 million health workers by 2030, and at least 400 million people lacking access to essential health services in 2022, the WHO considers self-care among “the most promising and exciting approaches to improve health and well-being.”
Accessibility and Inclusion in Self-Care
Wendy Olayiwola of the Nigerian Nurses Association UK emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to self-care, highlighting cultural sensitivities, holistic practices, and community engagement. Self-care could be integrated into general health coverage plans, addressing gaps in the system, according to Dr. Manjulaa Narasimhan, head of WHO’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research Unit.
Ensuring the availability of menstrual products is a potent example of implementing self-care, Narasimhan added. “Self-care is about how individuals lead their lives and care for themselves.”
Education and Patient Empowerment
Ellos Lodzeni, Chair of the International Alliance of Patients’ Organisation, stressed that self-care empowers patients to play an active role in their health and make informed decisions. A primary focus for the Global Self-Care Federation is education about self-care and providing accurate health information, thereby combating misinformation online.
Dr. Mariam Jashi, Chair of UNITE’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia chapters, suggested self-care could be included in health insurance policy-making, with prevention and screening as essential components. However, she emphasized the need for an internationally agreed definition of self-care.
To learn more about self-care and the work of the United Self-Care Coalition, visit www.unitedforselfcare.org.
Image Credits: Zuzanna Stawiska, World Health Organization.
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