Advocating for the Evidence-Based Policies: It Takes More Than a Slogan
Advocacy campaigns for global health can often be reduced to an easily understood—and ambitious—slogan and hashtag. #HealthForAll. #HealthWorkersCount. #EndPolioNow. But when it comes to helping create an enabling policy environment, a hashtag slogan isn’t usually enough. To have an impact at the policy and system levels, advocates must “get in the heads” of policy-makers and figure out what makes them tick and how they respond to various communications channels. Understanding policy advocacy in the complexities of health systems strengthening and universal health coverage is essential. In global health, no matter what specific role one plays, being an effective advocate is important for career growth—and for making a difference in the world.