Philanthropy's critical role in public health advocacy

Prior to the global Covid-19 pandemic, many policy makers and much of the public lacked an understanding of the importance of public health and well-functioning public health systems. Organizations that advocate for best-practice public health policies—civil society organizations, universities, professional medical associations, and philanthropic organizations, and an informed public—perform a critical function that is largely unseen. Many of our most urgent needs in public health rely on the presence of functioning government-supported public health systems and a vocal public. According to recent research by the Center for Effective Philanthropy, although there has been increased discussion about the role and influence of philanthropy in policy making, it still remains a small portion of most foundations’ work.
More philanthropic organizations need to catalyze public health advocacy to realize sustainable, people-driven improvements in public health. Well-coordinated and strategic advocacy, including campaign-style planning, communications, and policy design, can push governments to protect communities from powerful economic interests that undermine public health and equity. Effective public health advocacy ensures that all people, including the most vulnerable, participate in and contribute to healthy environments. (author introduction) #P4HEwebinarOctober2023