The inclusion of communities and civil society is important for the development of responsive health policies and programs. Several social participation mechanisms facilitate engagement in health governance and policy-making processes such as community health committees, citizen advisory panels, public consultations and hearings, community health workers, community-based organizations, national health assemblies. An effective dialogue between policymakers and citizens means safeguarding and facilitating the inclusion of all population groups.
Scoping review of the literature
Communities and civil society have played crucial roles in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in lower- and middle-income countries where updated national plans for pandemic preparedness and risk management were missing. Their contributions included minimising economic disruptions, advocating for marginalised groups, and preparing communities for vaccine roll-outs.
This scoping review of literature aimed to document these efforts and consolidate knowledge on the roles undertaken by civil society and communities during the pandemic. The goal was to better understand how they can support governments and development partners in future emergencies and crises.
Presentation to the Act-A Civil Society and Community representatives
Established in April 2020, the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-A) signifies a global effort aimed at expediting the advancement, manufacturing, and fair distribution of novel COVID-19 diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. Since May 2020, the Platform for ACT-A Civil Society & Community Representatives (the Platform) played a vital role in bolstering community and civil society engagement within ACT-A. It advocates for and ensures that every facet of ACT-A encompasses designated space for communities and civil society, enabling their expertise, experience, and voices to contribute meaningfully to the dialogue and decision-making processes.
