Last week marked a significant milestone in the field of healthcare in Latin America as the first Latin American Self-Care Congress (Congreso Latinoamericano de Autocuidado) took place in São Paulo, Brazil. The event, organized by the Latin-American Association of Responsible Self-Care (ILAR), the Brazilian Self-Care Products Industry Association (ACESSA), and the Global Self-Care Federation (GSCF), brought together leaders in the health sector, government representatives, international organizations, academy, and the self-care industry to discuss and advocate for the adoption of the Declaration of São Paulo.
This declaration aims to integrate self-care as a cornerstone of public health policy in Latin America, promoting more sustainable healthcare systems that deliver better outcomes for individuals and communities. The declaration is also aimed at fostering the approval of a World Health Assembly resolution on Self-care.
The inaugural session of the congress, moderated by the Speyside team, focused on the role of self-care in building more resilient health systems. The discussion was centered on the Declaration of São Paulo on Self-Care for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the inauguration of the 1st Latin American Self-Care Regional Congress. The event’s significance cannot be overstated, as it seeks to empower Latin America to take charge of its healthcare outcomes.
The Declaration of São Paulo is built on seven key pillars, aiming to secure commitments from major healthcare stakeholders in the Latin American ecosystem. These pillars include:
- Promoting self-care for Primary Health Care and Universal Health Coverage.
- Supporting health education and raising awareness about self-care.
- Leveraging technology and digital health solutions.
- Strengthening multisectoral collaboration.
- Ensuring equity and inclusion in self-care efforts.
- Advocating for better self-care governance.
- Monitoring progress and accountability.
By endorsing these principles, Latin American leaders are taking a proactive approach to prioritize self-care as a fundamental component of public health policy and as a catalyst for the creation of universal health coverage. This would yield better health outcomes for individuals and communities across the region.
The first Latin American Self-Care Congress has set the stage for a brighter future in healthcare. By embracing the Declaration of São Paulo and championing self-care as a public health policy cornerstone, the region is taking an essential step toward building more resilient, equitable, and sustainable healthcare systems. With the commitment of all stakeholders, Latin America is on the path to better health and improved quality of life for its citizens.
Over the past five years, Speyside has been deeply engaged in the discussion and agenda-setting surrounding self-care in Latin America. The team is excited to witness the fruits of this work and look forward to the journey ahead, as Latin America works towards improved access to healthcare and a higher quality of life for its people.
Conclusion
The São Paulo Declaration marks a major step forward in strengthening healthcare systems across Latin America through self-care. By focusing on education, technology, equity, governance, and collaboration, regional leaders are laying the foundation for more resilient and inclusive systems. This congress is not only a milestone but also a call to action—inviting stakeholders across sectors to make self-care a public health priority. With continued commitment and cooperation, Latin America can move toward universal health coverage and significantly improve the health and quality of life of its citizens.
