International Alliance of Patients’ Organization (IAPO): How to Be More Engaged at the World Health Assembly

Many patient groups are interested in how to be more engaged with the World Health Organization (WHO) and at the World Health Assembly (WHA). IAPO would like to share some information and tips on how you can influence the work of the WHO, both regionally and internationally.

Although its reach is worldwide much of IAPO’s work with World Health Organization (WHO) takes place through the WHO headquarters in Geneva. However, the WHO’s agendas are often led from the national and regional level. Therefore, patient involvement at the regional and national level is equally as important. IAPO Members can greatly strengthen the role of the patient voice by working with their national and regional WHO offices to demonstrate the value of the patient perspective and the need for a patient-centered approach in all decision-making. Likewise, the WHO can be a powerful partner when engaging your local government, for example when advocating for improved patients rights, access to medicines or making patient safety recommendations.

For more information, please visit the IAPO’s website: http://www.patientsorganizations.org/showarticle.pl?id=1155

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