Stakeholders Endorse First-Ever Declaration on Self-Care for Universal Health Coverage

SAO PAULO, November 9, 2023 (Newswire.com) - The Global Self-Care Federation (GSCF) and the United for Self-Care Coalition are proud to announce a significant step towards advancing global health equity and access to healthcare services by endorsing the new Sao Paulo Declaration on Self-Care for Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Endorsed today, at the 1^st Latin American Self-Care Regional Congress in Sao Paulo, this landmark declaration reflects the commitment of Regional Policymakers, Ministries of Health within the Latin American Region, and the United for Self-Care Coalition Members, to improving the well-being of people worldwide through advancing self-care as an essential component of UHC.

The Declaration underscores a dedication to the principles of Universal Health Coverage, including equitable access to healthcare services, financial protection, and the promotion of public health. 

The main areas of action include commitments to:

• Promote self-care for Primary Health Care and Universal Health Coverage
• Support self-care education and awareness
• Leverage technology and digital solutions
• Strengthen collaboration and partnerships
• Ensure equity and inclusivity 
• Advocate for better self-governance
• Monitor progress and accountability

UHC is a key element of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. Through this declaration, stakeholders commit to actively support the realization of SDG 3 by advocating for policies and programs that expand access to essential health services, protect individuals and families from financial hardship, and improve the quality of healthcare delivery.

Juan Thompson, Director General of the Latin-American Association of Responsible Self-Care (ILAR), commented: “I am very happy that the Declaration was endorsed here in Sao Paulo with the purpose of articulating the position of Latin American stakeholders around Self-Care and supporting the future WHO Global Resolution. For 84% of people in Latin America, self-care plays a very relevant role. However, according to the GSCF Social and Economic Value of Self-Care Research published in 2022, 52% of respondents in LatAm indicate that they do not have the appropriate level of knowledge to take self-care actions with confidence. In this regard, empowering people through increased health literacy and education to practice self-care and actively participate in making decisions about their own health is essential. The Declaration guarantees exactly that.”

Magaly Rodriguez de Bittner, VP of the FIP Pharmaceutical Forum of the Americas, added: “I am delighted to see the commitment from so many stakeholders to integrate self-care into the continuum of Primary Health Care (PHC), recognizing its importance on so many levels. Pharmacists play a front-line role in empowering people for responsible self-care, interacting daily with individuals making decisions about self-care products and behaviors in pharmacies around the world. Self-care must be seen as a pillar of healthcare. It is especially crucial in Latin America, where self-care has an enormous potential to achieve both health systems and individual savings.”

Judy Stenmark, Director General of the Global Self-Care Federation, concluded: “Stakeholders’ decision to endorse the Self-Care for Universal Health Coverage Declaration is proof of our unwavering commitment to the well-being of individuals and communities worldwide. We believe that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental human right, and by joining the global effort to achieve Universal Health Coverage, we aim to create a more equitable and healthier world for everyone."

The group calls for the adoption and implementation of a World Health Organization (WHO) Resolution on Self-Care for Health, to provide a comprehensive framework for governments, stakeholders, and the international community to strengthen self-care policies and interventions. 

Stakeholders also committed to working together to engage with WHO and promote policies that enable individuals, families, and communities to embrace self-care as a pathway to better health, well-being, and sustainable development. 

Access the full text of the Declaration here: 

Join the Coalition: https://www.unitedforselfcare.org/ 

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Source: Global Self-Care Federation