Meaningful engagement is the respectful, dignified and equitable inclusion of individuals with lived experience in a range of processes and activities within an enabling environment where power is transferred to people; valuing lived experience as a form of expertise and applying it to improve health outcomes. Individuals with lived experience hold the key to designing effective health interventions that leave no one behind, overcoming contextual barriers and mobilizing political action.
Individuals and communities with first-hand experience in living with or being affected by noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and mental health and neurological conditions hold the key to designing effective, inclusive, equitable health interventions that leave no one behind. Their inclusion in decision-making processes through principles of respect, value and dignity is essential to achieving health for all.
Public health actors should develop equitable and contextual solutions to address the growing silent pandemic of NCDs, and mental health and neurological conditions. It is a crucial global health challenge which transcends borders, sectors, languages, ethnicities and political divides, endangering lives, livelihoods and global development.
WHO is committed to advancing the meaningful engagement of people living with NCDs and mental health conditions worldwide a with a range of dedicated activities and platforms. This short film documentary in all six UN languages sheds light on the experiences of people living with NCDs and mental health conditions around the world, highlighting perspectives from Australia, Brazil, Lebanon, Nepal, Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Would you like more information on the WHO Global Coordination Mechanism on Noncommunicable Diseases and our work on meaningful engagement of people with lived experience?
Spotlight :
WHO Symposium on Meaningful Engagement of people living with NCDs, mental health and neurological conditions
The WHO Symposium on Meaningful Engagement of people living with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), mental health and neurological conditions convenes, formally recognizes, and leverages the knowledge and expertise of people with lived experience.
Participants of the symposium will co-create and co-implement strategies to enhance NCD policies, programmes, and services that are responsive, equitable, holistic, and contextually appropriate, and contribute to the preparatory process for the 4th High-level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of NCDs in 2025.
After a thorough review of applications received by lived experience experts interested in formally supporting the co-design of the WHO Symposium on Meaningful Engagement, WHO has named nine members onto the Symposium Steering Committee across a diverse subset of communities and geographic regions. The GCM/NCD also acknowledges the contributions of many other individuals and collaborators who will be providing informal advisory support throughout the process.
Spotlight :
Join the Meaningful Engagement of People with Lived Experience Community on KAP
A community for people living with NCDs, mental health and neurological conditions, as well as other stakeholders committed to equitable and inclusive participatory approaches – to gather, share knowledge, and collaborate.