We do this by providing a diverse range of services including: advice on public health strategies, advocacy-related research and projects, and build the workforce and community capacity for effective advocacy.
Advocacy means different things to different people, and it takes on many forms. But at it’s core, public health advocacy aims to influence the political and policy agendas.
The World Health Organization (WHO) describes advocacy for health as a combination of individual and social actions designed to gain political commitment, policy support, social acceptance and systems support for a particular health goal or program[1].
It is included as one of three pillars within the WHO’s Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion, being to advocate, enable and mediate[2].
By clearly defining your advocacy key ask, it is possible to develop partnerships and strategies which inform, create and influence legislation, and develop an environment where optimal health and wellbeing is possible. When aiming to change a policy, it is more than likely that you will be confronted with some opposition, so identifying the potential opposition and planning for ways to address the opposition are critical. To achieve advocacy outcomes, strategies including media, grassroots efforts and partnerships will help in building support for your advocacy ask.
As our primary tool, PHAI’s Advocacy in Action Toolkit is an important resource to guide your efforts.
[1] World Health Organization. Advocacy Strategies for Health and Development. Geneva: WHO; 1992.
[2] World Health Organization. The Ottawa Charter for health promotion. Geneva: WHO; 1986.
The toolkit is a practical resource that supports and encourages health professionals and interested organisations to engage in advocacy. The Advocacy in Action toolkit:
The fourth edition of the Advocacy in Action Toolkit focuses on creating an advocacy project using PHAI’s advocacy model.
It also features advocacy tips, case studies, advocacy tools and a comprehensive guide to evaluating your advocacy efforts.
Be professional
Know what
you want
Work in coalitions – present a united front; sing from the same song-sheet
Have a clear message and call for action that is based on evidence
Understand government, policy, politics, politicians, bureaucracy – all levels, all parties: seek to work with all
Understand and work with the media, including traditional and social
Identify and understand the opposition and oppose it
Work to a plan – but be creative and opportunistic
Overnight success takes time. Be patient, accept the best you can get along the way, but keep heading for the key objectives
Share the limelight and give credit where it belongs
Phone: +61 8 9266 9078
To contact individual staff members, please refer to the Our Team section.
Faculty of Health Sciences GPO Box U1987 Perth, Western Australia, 6845
School of Public Health Building 400, Room 469 Kent St, Bentley, 6102 Western Australia