Local leader engagement
Local governments are the first responders and closest allies in delivering health services and are well placed to understand the needs of their communities.
With over half of the world’s population now residing in urban areas, cities are engines of economic growth and innovation and have the potential to lead the way in tackling health inequities, building resilient health systems, and fostering inclusive policies to advance progress on universal health coverage.
That is why, in collaboration with UCLG, UHC2030 supports the efforts of local authorities to build caring cities that leave no one behind.
To transform global commitments into local realities, we urge local authorities to:
- Build equitable, climate-resilient and sustainable local health systems: Invest in primary health care to build resilient systems that prioritize equity, affordability and accessibility. Prioritize cross-sector integration on urban health strategies, including transportation, housing, education, food security and climate adaptation measures, to address emerging health threats.
- Advocate for greater empowerment from central governments with allocation of adequate funding: Advocate for revising or developing legal frameworks to ensure governments have the jurisdiction and mandate to pursue health equity in urban areas. Increase city budgets for urban health with innovative fiscal mechanisms and external funding to design tailored health strategies, ensuring resources align with local needs.
- Protect and invest in the health and care workforce: Guarantee safe and decent working conditions. Ensure fair wages and equal pay for work of equal value. Offer opportunities for professional growth, with a focus on supporting women and migrant workers.
- Institutionalize social participation and multisectoral platforms: Formalize stakeholders’ engagement in health governance to ensure accountability and relevance, and foster trust. Establish platforms for continuous dialogue among government sectors, civil society, communities, academia, and private stakeholders.
- Advance gender equality: Ensure women’s representation in leadership and decision-making. Design policies that address gender-specific health needs. Promote gender-responsive health systems by mainstreaming gender perspectives into health policies, programs and budgeting to eliminate barriers that prevent women, girls and people with marginalized gender identities from accessing quality health services.
