International Journal of Health Policy and Management

International Journal of Health Policy and Management

Confronting “Socio-Political Inertia” on the Long and Winding Road to “Healthy Societies” Comment on “How to Build Healthy Societies: A Thematic Analysis of Relevant Conceptual Frameworks”

Document Type : Commentary

Authors
Harvy Joy Liwanag 1
Natasha Howard 1, 2
1 Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
2 Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
10.34172/ijhpm.9150
Abstract
The vision to create “Healthy Societies” is a reiteration of “Health for All” first made in the Declaration of Alma-Ata almost half a century ago. We contend that this long journey is due to “Socio-Political Inertia” that has prevented societies from transforming even in the presence of enabling policies. The analysis of policy documents by Nambiar et al could help set the stage for understanding how best to advance healthy societies, but the aspirations expressed in documents require active engagement and implementation to enable societal change. We first draw inspiration from the convergence of multiple streams in Kingdon’s model in exploring how to chart the journey toward healthy societies. We then argue that the vision of healthy societies should be articulated in ways that speak to the different societies that will own it and build coalitions to turn this vision into reality. 
Keywords
Healthy Societies
Health Policy
Health Systems
Healthcare Reform
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International Journal of Health Policy and Management
Volume 14, Issue 1
2025
Pages 1-4

  • Received Date 14 April 2025
  • Revised Date 29 April 2025
  • Accepted Date 03 May 2025
  • First Published Date 07 May 2025
  • Published Date 01 December 2025