What is the People’s Health Movement – PHM
The PHM is a global network bringing together grassroots health activists, civil society organizations and academic institutions from around the world, particularly from low and middle income countries (L&MIC). We currently have a presence in around 70 countries. Guided by the People’s Charter for Health (PCH), PHM works on various programmes and activities and is committed to Comprehensive Primary Health Care and addressing the Social, Environmental and Economic Determinants of Health.
The world is facing a global health crisis characterized by growing inequities within and among nations and millions of preventable deaths, especially among the poor. These are in large degree due to unfair economic structures which lock people into poverty and poor health. In 2000, concerned activists, academics and health workers got together for the first People’s Health Assembly. The People’s Charter for Health (PCH), our founding document was developed and PHM was born.
The People’s Charter for Health – PCH, is the framework within which PHM acts and offers strategic guidance to the movement. It is both a tool for advocacy and a framework for action. By endorsing the Charter one becomes part of PHM. The PCH endorses the Alma Ata declaration, and affirms health as a social, economic and political issue but above all, a fundamental human right.
PHA5 Mar del Plata 2024 Call to Action
Our Call to Action: The Struggle for Health is a Struggle for Liberation and against Capitalism and Imperialism includes the demands and commitments of the People’s Health Movement following the debates and discussion leading up to and during the 5th People’s Health Assembly held in Mar del Plata, Argentina. It should be read in conjunction with the PHA5 Background Paper: The Struggle for Health: Confronting the role of Capitalism and Imperialism.
Our Call to Action envisages a world where people can enjoy their lives to the fullest, with dignified work, full participation in health issues and in which the political, economic, cultural and social obstacles and limitations that impede the existence of comprehensive and quality health and education systems are eliminated. Our vision is based on Living Well -Buen Vivir - and promotion of the health of Mother Earth.
Vision of PHM: “Equity, ecologically-sustainable development and peace are at the heart of our vision of a better world – a world in which a healthy life for all is a reality; a world that respects, appreciates and celebrates all life and diversity; a world that enables the flowering of people’s talents and abilities to enrich each other; a world in which people’s voices guide the decisions that shape our lives….”
Objectives:
- To promote Health for All through an equitable, participatory and inter-sectoral movement and as a Rights Issue.
- To advocate for government and other health agencies to ensure universal access to quality health care, education and social services according to people’s needs and not their ability to pay.
- To promote the participation of people and people’s organisations in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of all health and social policies and programmes.
- To promote health along with equity and sustainable development as top priorities in local, national and international policymaking.
- To encourage people to develop their own solutions to local health problems.
- To hold local authorities, national governments, international organisations and corporations accountable.