BACKGROUND :

PHM is a global network bringing together grassroots health activists, civil society organizations and academic institutions from around the world, particularly from low and middle income countries. PHM has a presence in over 80 countries, with more than half being strong with functioning structures and planned activities. PHM also collaborates and draws its strength from affiliated global and regional networks. We are faced with a global health crisis that is characterized by inequities related to a range of social determinants of health and in access to health services within countries and between countries. Health and healthcare in different regions face challenges of under resourced and poor quality health systems as well as those related to the effects of changing disease profiles, including the increase in NCD’s. PHM is holding our People’s Health Assembly in Bangladesh in November. In view of this being the 40th anniversary of the Alma Ata declaration, PHM will be re-affirming its commitment to the declaration and the principles within, while exploring ways to meet the health challenges of today for example NCD's; the Assembly will be establishing priority areas for PHM for the next 5 years. The 4th People’s Health Assembly (PHA4) will provide a unique space for strengthening solidarity, sharing experiences, mutual learning and joint strategizing for future actions; as well as civil society mobilization and policy dialogue for health equity and accountable national and global governance for health. After PHA4, we will have an extended Steering Council and January 2019 will see the start of the new term for the Steering Council. This side event will explore the implementation of key areas identified at PHA4. It will also set the foundation for the new Steering Council, and elect a new Coordinating Committee and global chairpersons.