Overview

Social participation is crucial for reorienting health systems towards primary health care in pursuit of universal health coverage and overall population well-being. It means empowering people, communities, and civil society through inclusive participation in decision-making processes that affect health across the policy cycle and at all levels of the system. However, implementation thus far has often been insufficient. Inconsistent definitions and interpretations of participation-related terms can result in technical ambiguity and a lack of common understanding among stakeholders. This article seeks to clarify key terms, define social participation, and unpack what it is and what it is not.