Advocacy success strategies in EMR and lessons learnt Dr. Abdulaziz AlRajhi Executive Co-Chair, IAPB-EMR Dr. Mansur Rabiu Director of Programs Director of Programs

Advocacy Advocacy is the process of influencing people to create change. Advocacy uses information in deliberate and strategic ways to change perceptions and to influence decision-making Advocacy ≠ education Basic principle: WHO Advocacy If you do not ASK for it, you will not GET it.

Decision makers Decisions makers are the target of most advocacy efforts. International – UN agencies- WHO, UNDP, UNICEF, World Bank etc – Corporate bodies, Networks, Groups and movements etc. – NGOs National – Governments, Local NGOs, Civil societies – Community & religious, leaders, celebrities Professional – Professional medical organizations at international, regional and national levels

What about the media? The media can get key messages to both decision makers and influencers. Need to work effectively with the media, as part of an overall advocacy plan. Provide items tailored especially for the needs of journalists (reproduction quality images, broadcast footage, pre-packaged print and video media features). WHO Advocacy

Advocacy

EMR EMR has 23 countries

Some major advocacy successes of the EMR All 23 EMR countries have –signed the Vision 2020 declaration, –established PB committees with a National coordinator –developed a national plan Actively secured the support of all the EMR countries for the major WHA resolutions –WHA in 2003, WHA in 2006 and the WHA 62.1 in 2009 including the Action plan for prevention of blindness Securing support of all EMR countries to request WHO to develop a follow up action plan for the prevention of blindness

EMR Advocacy successes Secured the approval of all EMR countries to request the inclusion of eye health in the GPW (general program of work) of WHO for the period IAPB-EMR Chair routinely addresses the EMR Health ministers during their annual WHO EMRO meetings Development in collaboration with WHO EMRO regional specific guidelines for control of some major blinding conditions and eye health programs like Diabetic Retinopathy 2006, Glaucoma 2009, School Eye Health 2009, Primary Eye Care 2011 etc.

The EMR Experience

Do Your Homework

Know what you want

Make Your Message Clear

Know whom you are talking to

Know His/Her Keys

Never Give Up

Don’t Contradict Yourself

Don’t be intimidated

Pick Your Fights!

Win Win Solution

If Plan A Fails Have Plan B and C !!!

Just When You Think That You Have Won…..