By Sandy Garçon, Senior Communications Manager, Population Services International and Lead Chair of SCTG Global Advocacy & Communications Working Group
This year marks the 12th anniversary of the inaugural International Self-Care Day – established by the International Self-Care Federation and now celebrated worldwide.
Self-care has existed for ages and is as important now as it has ever been. Healthcare systems are overstretched and need to make a shift. At the same time, the global community is striving to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030. With just seven years to go, world leaders have a unique opportunity to reinvigorate progress toward delivering health for all if they take urgent action to mainstream self-care into their health systems, policies, and programs.
As we join partners around the world in spotlighting the value of self-care, we invite you to explore our list of 12 resources to support your efforts in advancing self-care policies and practices. Dive into the resources and opportunities below!
ACCELERATE ACTION FOR UHC
Open Letter: Join the Call for the Inclusion of Self-Care in the UHC Agenda
Self-care needs to be supported by a framework of policies, funding, and programs. In the lead-up to UN High-Level Meeting on UHC in September, let’s call on Member States to acknowledge and champion the vital role of self-care explicitly and directly in the Political Declaration, and in subsequent implementation plans and accountability frameworks. Sign the open letter.
United for a Self-Care Resolution
A World Health Organization (WHO) resolution on self-care can serve as the foundation to prompt global, coordinated action and is a good first step in acknowledging and addressing the gap in political prioritization of self-care. The United for a Self-Care Coalition is leading the charge for codifying the recognition of the value of self-care and providing WHO a clear mandate for advancing self-care by building on ongoing efforts. Watch the call to action here, spread the word using the UHC toolkit and make your #SelfCarePromise.
Self-Care for UHC Advocacy Toolkit
One of the greatest challenges facing advocates is that too few people understand what self-care is and why it’s an essential component of achieving within UHC. From common self-care terms to frequently asked questions and a multi-audience messaging framework, this toolkit equips self-care champions with the resources to effectively advocate for the inclusion of self-care into the health continuum. Explore the toolkit in Anglais, Français or Spanish.
Supporting Youth through Self-Care
Youth leaders share specific and urgent gaps that they face in their healthcare journey – and their perspectives on the role of self-care and the promise it holds in addressing the health needs of adolescents and young people. Read the recommendations.
LEVERAGE THE EVIDENCE
Digital Self-Care: A Framework for Design, Implementation & Evaluation
Digital tools can function across a range of self-care behaviors, from increasing self-awareness to facilitating self-screening and treatment. In support of this evolution, the Digital Self-Care Framework offers practical guidance, real-life examples, and case studies to aid those working to improve health and well-being through the digitization of self-care. Read the brief summary and the framework.
Policy Mapping: Assessing Implementation of the WHO Consolidated Guideline on Self-Care Interventions in Policy and Practice (In Kenya, Nigeria & Uganda) – A Rapid Analysis
This policy mapping tool was developed to provide a replicable methodology for measuring the extent to which countries are implementing WHO’s 24 self-care recommendations related to sexual and reproductive health in policy and practice. Read the brief summary and the framework.
Supporting Sexual and Reproductive Self-Care through Social and Behavior Change – A Conceptual Framework
This framework articulates how SBC can support sexual and reproductive self-care initiatives and contribute to improved health outcomes. It helps users understand what drives self-care behavior and make policy and programmatic decisions that use SBC to enable sexual and reproductive health self-care behaviors. Read the brief summary and the framework in Anglais and Français.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Self-Care Measurement Tool
Developed through a consensus-driven process by a group of global experts, including academics, implementers, donors, and intergovernmental bodies, this tool aims to provide a global standard approach to practical and accurate measurement of SRH self-care interventions, with a focus on three specific interventions: self-injectable hormonal contraception, HIV self-testing, and self-managed abortion. Read the brief summary and framework.
Quality of Care Framework for Clients and Providers in the Delivery of Self-Care
Building on the WHO Consolidated Guideline on Self-Care, this framework is designed to provide a structured focus on the channels and mechanisms through which quality care is delivered and monitored, and the associated standards which can impact an individual’s experience and health outcomes. Read the brief summary and framework.
DISCOVER THE STATE OF SELF-CARE
State of Self-Care Report: Progress and Potential of Self-Care – Taking Stock and Looking Ahead
As momentum around self-care builds, capturing key lessons and consolidating learning from country and global experience is essential. This report takes stock of the current field and shares examples of country and global efforts, links readers to evidence and offers insights into how self-care can help advance rights-based, equitable access to SRH care for all. Read the brief summary and framework.
Self-Care 2030 Insights Report
This report is intended to be the first in an annual series that will highlight the Seven Pillars of Self-Care. Focusing on the very first pillar ‘Knowledge & Health Literacy’, this report highlights the evolving and innovative new tools helping to improve access to quality information that will enable sound decision-making by individuals and institutions. Read the report.
Get Ready to Discover Self-Care
From 30 October to 17 November, the Self-Care Learning and Discovery Series will return to bring the latest self-care innovations, insights, and experiences to the global stage! This free virtual mini conference will unite stakeholders worldwide to share new knowledge, elevate self-care solutions, and build stronger and new connections across issues and geographies. Learn how to submit an abstract or session proposal.
Are you interested in even more self-care opportunities and eager to be a part of the self-care movement? Become a member of the Self-Care Trailblazer Group today!
Join the Self-Care Trailblazer Group and gain access to a host of opportunities like learning exchanges, advocacy and communication efforts, and a members-only platform to engage with other self-care experts and stakeholders! They are also invited to participate in working groups to help inform and drive the self-care agenda globally, nationally, and locally.
