Advocacy in Action for Improved Health Outcomes

Abstract

Health advocacy is a series of actions, targeted to improve health systems and health outcomes for a defined population. Effective advocacy requires carefully designed programs to promote health equity. The health needs of a population will vary based upon social, cultural, and structural factors. Advocacy can be the catalyst for a process that creates a responsive health system that reduces barriers to quality health services, specifically designed for the population to be served. This chapter reviews the fundamentals of advocacy, based upon fundamental principles of public health promotion. The four key components of health advocacy include education, communication, collaboration, and follow-up for sustained results. Health-care providers play a vital role as health advocates, by disseminating culturally sensitive health messages to patients and families and by promoting an inclusive process that respects the health rights of all community members.