Grassroots Movements as Agents of Global Change: Reflections from 5th People’s Health Assembly in Argentina by AWAC-Uganda

Grassroots Movements as Agents of Global Change: Reflections from 5th People’s Health Assembly in Argentina by AWAC-Uganda

The past two decades have witnessed the emergence of a new wave of grassroots social movements, networks, and organizations seeking to promote a more just and equitable access to health as a human right. Broadening and deepening cross-border citizen action built on the grassroots advocacy is fundamental in addressing challenges facing the diverse marginalized populations. The involvement of grassroots movements in global platforms such as, the people’s health Assembly are crucial in attracting global and country political and solidarity action in addressing the health system challenges faced by populations at the periphery. AWAC is among the grassroots movements that participated in the 5th People’s Health Assembly (PHA5) of the People’s Health Movement (PHM) that took place in the city of Mar del Plata, Argentina, from 7^th -11^th   April 2024. The PHM boasts a robust network spanning across 80 countries worldwide, including Uganda. This conference served as a global nexus for health advocates, practitioners and policymakers to exchange insights, strategies, and innovations in pursuit of equitable healthcare for all.

This global space created a unique platform for sharing experiences, mutual learning and the development of joint strategies for action, and above all connecting the grassroots advocacy to the evolving global environment around human rights. We recognize that this was an opportunity for AWAC to join other progressive social movements, civil society organizations and networks, academics, health activists, and health workers around the world to discuss the ongoing injustices affecting vulnerable populations in accessing essential health care services. Its important to acknowledge that grassroots movements, have strong constituency base and evidence based advocacy capability at both local and global levels –which is an important phenomenon in this context. This is because, these movements are formed and led by marginalized groups, and defy the stereotype of grassroots movements being narrowly focused on local issues. They embody both a challenge and an opportunity for democratizing and strengthening the role of grassroots civil society in global health issues.

There were a number of sessions that AWAC participated in at the 5^th People’s Health Assembly. However, in collaboration with PHM Global, PHM Uganda, ama Resource Group for Women and Health –India, FOS Feminista, Alliance para a saude –Mozambique, CGND DR Congo, Cenesex Cuba, and Rebeldia Collective –Bolivia, AWAC took the lead in organizing and facilitating a captivating side event/session titled “Struggle for sexual and reproductive health in oppressive contexts” on 9th April 2024. Here, we shared invaluable insights, lessons learned and best practices drawn from our ongoing efforts amidst challenging socio-political landscapes, realities and backlash on rights of sex workers, particularly in Uganda following the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023 and the amended Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act, 2023.

Check the full details of the debrief on this link.