NIPSOM - 5 - Policy Making (Autosaved)

Policy making and community health advocacy
Presented by
Dr. Md. Foyzur Rahman

MBBS(DU), MPH(BSMMU), BCS(Health),
PhD Fellow (BUP)
Medical Officer (Community Medicine)
National Institute of Preventive & Social Medicine (NIPSOM),
Mohakhali, Dhaka–1212.
What is advocacy?
Policy making and community health advocacy are essential
components of improving public health outcomes and addressing
health disparities within communities. Here's how policy making and
community health advocacy intersect and contribute to promoting
better health:
1. Identifying Health Issues
2. Raising Awareness
3. Advocating for Policy Change

4. Community Engagement
5. Building Coalitions
6. Monitoring and Evaluation
7. Addressing Social Determinants of Health
Overall, policy making and community health advocacy are

interconnected processes that play a critical role in improving public
health and advancing health equity. By working together, advocates and
policymakers can develop and implement policies that promote healthier
communities and improve the well-being of all individuals.
The evolution of community health policy has been shaped by various
factors, including advancements in public health knowledge, changes in
societal attitudes towards health and wellness, emerging health challenges,
and shifts in political landscapes. Here's an overview of the evolution of
community health policy:
1. Early Public Health Movements: Historically, community health

policy focused on addressing immediate public health threats such as
infectious diseases and sanitation issues. Early public health movements in
the 19th and early 20th centuries led to the establishment of measures such
as clean water and sewage systems, vaccination programs, and quarantine
laws to protect community health.
2. Expansion of Health Services: In the mid-20th century, there was a
significant expansion of health services and the development of social
welfare programs in many countries. Initiatives such as the establishment
of national healthcare systems, Medicaid and Medicare in the United
States, and the World Health Organization's efforts to promote primary
healthcare contributed to improving access to healthcare services and
reducing health disparities.
3. Focus on Prevention and Health Promotion: In recent decades,
there has been a growing recognition of the importance of
prevention and health promotion in community health policy.
Governments and public health agencies have increasingly invested
in programs and policies aimed at promoting healthy behaviors,
preventing chronic diseases, and addressing social determinants of
health such as poverty, education, and housing.
4. Rise of Health Equity and Social Justice: There has been a shift
towards a more equity-focused approach in community health policy,
with greater emphasis on addressing health inequities and disparities.
This includes efforts to address structural factors such as racism,
discrimination, and economic inequality that contribute to health
disparities among different population groups.
5. Incorporation of Evidence-Based Practices: Community health
policy has become more evidence-based, with policymakers and public
health practitioners increasingly relying on research and data to inform
decision-making. This includes the use of research findings to guide the
development and implementation of policies and programs aimed at
improving community health outcomes.
6. Globalization and Transnational Health Issues: The globalization
of trade, travel, and communication has led to the emergence of new
health challenges that require coordinated international responses.
Issues such as infectious disease outbreaks, environmental pollution,
and the rise of non-communicable diseases have highlighted the
interconnectedness of health across borders, leading to the development
of global health policies and initiatives.
7. Empowerment of Communities and Stakeholders: There has been
a growing recognition of the importance of involving communities and
stakeholders in the development and implementation of community
health policies. Participatory approaches that engage community
members, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders in decision-making
processes help to ensure that policies are responsive to the needs and
priorities of the communities they serve.
Overall, the evolution of community health policy reflects changing
understandings of health and wellness, as well as broader social,
economic, and political dynamics. Moving forward, community health
policy will continue to evolve in response to emerging health
challenges and the evolving needs of diverse populations.
Thank You

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Policy making and community health advocacy

Dr. Md. Foyzur Rahman

1. Identifying Health Issues

3. Advocating for Policy Change

6. Monitoring and Evaluation

7. Addressing Social Determinants of Health

Overall, policy making and community health advocacy are

1. Early Public Health Movements: Historically, community health

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