The Global Self-Care Federation (GSCF) calls for the recognition of self-care to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by adopting a WHO Resolution on self-care by 2025.

This follows the UN High-Level Meeting on UHC during the 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), where global health leaders adopted a political declaration on UHC, committing to scale up efforts by building on existing initiatives such as UHC2030 and the Action Agenda.

WHO resolutions are important political documents as they upgrade the mandate of WHO, activate different levels of the organisation, and activate member states to commit to action.

A WHO resolution on self-care would provide a framework for self-care’s integration into national health systems, promote awareness and political commitment, and mobilise resources for evidence-based interventions. 

Self-care offers individuals a convenient and reliable way to care for their health. Improving individuals’ access to clinically effective, safe and reliable non-prescription medicines is crucial.

“It’s high time for self-care to be included as a meaningful component of health systems worldwide. Self-care offers a promising path forward for achieving UHC and ensuring health and well-being for all. It’s within our collective power to unleash the benefits of self-care-enabled health systems, and that is why we are here,” said Judy Stenmark, director-general at GSCF, speaking at a United for Self-Care Coalition event on the sidelines of UNGA.

The Global Self-Care Federation exists to create a healthier world through better self-care. It represents associations and manufacturers in the self-care industry, working closely with our members and relevant stakeholder groups to ensure evidence-based self-care products and solutions are recognized as key contributors to health for individuals and systems worldwide.

It ensures key policy and decision-makers embrace self-care, recognise its values and use its broad range of benefits as the building blocks to deliver better and more sustainable health outcomes for all.

Self-care and self-medication industry and endeavour to contribute to the World Health Organisation’s public health goals through our specialised expertise.