The People’s Health Movement (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 (LMICs). We currently have a presence in approximately 70 countries.
The People’s Charter for Health (PCH) is our founding document and the framework within which PHM acts. 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. The Alma Ata Declaration was adopted by 134 nations in 1978. It enshrined health as a fundamental human right, and called for “Health for All by the Year 2000” through Primary Health Care. This gives PHC a broad, transformative, developmental role beyond the capabilities of the health sector alone. Intersectoral collaboration and meaningful community participation are among its fundamental principles. It is also known as “Comprehensive PHC” to distinguish it from “Selective PHC”, which refers to selected, targeted health care interventions by the health sector.
This global network of health activists has the following 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